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Quinoa

What is quinoa? About the ingredient quinoa. Including 109 recipes with quinoa, nutrition data, photos, and where to find it.

About

Quinoa originated in the Andean region of South America, where it has been an important food for 6,000 years. Its name is the Spanishspelling of the Quechua name. Quinoa is generally undemanding and altitude-hardy, so it can be easily cultivated in the Andes up to about 4,000 meters. Even so, it grows best in well-drained soils and requires a relatively long growing season.

quinoa quinoa

Nutrition

Quinoa was of great nutritional importance in pre-Columbian Andean civilizations, being secondary only to the potato, and was followed in importance by maize. In contemporary times, this crop has become highly appreciated for its nutritional value, as its protein content is very high (12%–18%). Unlike wheat or rice (which are low in lysine), and like oats, quinoa contains a balanced set of essential amino acids for humans, making it an unusually complete protein source among plant foods. It is a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is gluten-free and considered easy to digest.

toasting quinoa

Preparation

A common cooking method is to treat quinoa much like rice, bringing two cups of water to a boil with one cup of grain, covering at a low simmer and cooking for 14–18 minutes or until the germ separates from the seed. The cooked germ looks like a tiny curl and should have a slight bite to it (like al dente pasta). As an alternative, one can use a rice cooker to prepare quinoa, treating it just like white rice (for both cooking cycle and water amounts).

cooked quinoa

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Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 cup (170g)
Amount per Serving
Calories 635Calories from Fat 88
 % Daily Value *
Total Fat 9.9g 15%
Saturated Fat 1.0g 5%
Trans Fat ~
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 35mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 117.1g 39%
Dietary Fiber 10g 40%
Sugars ~
Protein 22.3g
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 10% Iron 87%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your caloric needs.

Where found

Quinoa is usually found in the rice & beans section or aisle of the grocery store or supermarket.

Food group

Quinoa is a member of the Cereal Grains and Pasta USDA nutritional food group.

How much does quinoa weigh?

measure grams
1 cup 170

In Chinese:藜麦
British (UK) term: Quinoa
en français:quinoa
en español:quinoa

Recipes using quinoa

There are 111 recipes that contain this ingredient.

5 Layer Quinoa Lasagna
Asparagus, Tofu and Quinoa Salad with Parmesan and Walnuts
Bean Veggie Burgers with Mexican Spicy Guacamole
Black Bean and Quinoa Chili
Black Bean and Quinoa Salad
Buttermilk, Maple Syrup, Quinoa and Pecan Muffins
Buttermilk, Maple Syrup, Quinoa and Pecan Muffins
Cherry and Quinoa Salad
Chinese Quinoa and Edamame Salad
Easy Garden Quinoa
Easy Quinoa Tabouli
Gluten Free Casein Free Chocolate Avocado Muffins

All 111 recipes

References

See more about quinoa about 13 years ago
Usda nutrition data over 8 years ago

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