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Pronounced “kinwah”, it’s a pseudocereal that grows in the Andean zone. It was of great nutritional value in ancient times, together with the potatoes and maize. The quinoa has a lot of protein (12%-18%) and contains a balanced set of essential amino acids. Besides, it’s a good source of fiber, phosphorus, magnesium and iron. You don’t want to be fat? Quinoa doesn’t have gluten and it’s easy to digest.

Because of all these characteristics, quinoa is used by the NASA for long duration manned spaceflights. So, if the astronauts use it, why don’t you?

Update, 20/05/08: Advices to cook the quinoa

You must wash the quinoa, many times, in cold water. Rub it with your hands until the water gets clear. Put the quinoa on a tin to let it dry.

If you want to cook 1 kg (2.2 lb) of quinoa, you need 2 litres (8 cups) of boiling water. Add the quinoa to the boiling water and cook it according to the texture that you want, from 12 to 30 minutes.

When it’s ready, put the quinoa on a tin to let it cool down. The water that you used can be used to prepare soups or mazamorra.

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