Quinoa
Quinoa
Quinoa (pronounced: KEEN-wah) is a type of edible seed that is often referred to as a "superfood" due to its high nutritional content.
Etymology
The word "quinoa" comes from the Spanish spelling of the Quechua name kinwa or occasionally "Qin-wah".
Description
Quinoa is a species of the goosefoot genus (Chenopodium), a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal, similar in some respects to buckwheat, rather than a true cereal, as it is not a member of the true grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beetroot, spinach, and tumbleweed.
Nutritional Value
Quinoa seeds contain essential amino acids like lysine and acceptable quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. After harvest, the seeds must be processed to remove the coating containing the bitter-tasting saponins. The seeds are in general cooked the same way as rice and can be used in a wide range of dishes.
Related Terms
- Amaranth: Another pseudocereal with similar nutritional benefits.
- Chia Seeds: Seeds from the Salvia hispanica plant, also considered a superfood.
- Millet: A group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world for food and fodder.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Quinoa
- Wikipedia's article - Quinoa
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