Quinoa 101

Quinoa is a rising popular food that still baffles many people. What is it, how is it good for you, what recipes can you make with it? Welcome to Quinoa 101: Your new go-to guide for everything quinoa.

What is it? Quinoa is a grain crop grown for its edible seeds in the Andes and Bolivia. It comes in three different types – white, red and black.

What makes it popular? Quinoa is gluten free and contains all nine essential amino acids necessary for good health.

Is it grown in the U.S.? Yes but it takes high elevation to grow properly, such as in the San Luis Valley in Colorado.

What is its claim to fame? The United States General Assembly declared 2013 as the Year of Quinoa. Sounds like a pretty big deal to us!

Fun Fact? It’s one of only very few plant foods considered a complete protein.

How can I add it to my diet? Blend it into a smoothie, use it instead of oatmeal, throw inside of quiche, make your own energy bars, mix in your salad, swap out for rice, toss it in chili, roll it in your burrito. Just get creative!