What Is It?
Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”), is a traditional Andean crop and cultivated mainly around the Lake Titicaca region in Peru and Bolivia of South America.Quinua means "mother grain" in the Inca language. This ancient seed is a versatile, complete protein whole grain i.e. it has all 9 essential amino acids necessary for human growth and development. Most other grains are deficient in 1 or more essential amino acids. Quinoa also contains more protein than any other grain. It was such an important source of nutrients during the Inca civilization that the Incas considered the staple crop sacred. Quinoa is now widely known as one of the most complete natural foods on planet earth (contains a balanced profile of amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals, fibre, antioxidants, and phytonutrients).
Botanical Name: Chenopodium quinoa
Organic Certifications: USDA
Our organic Quinoa grains are mechanically cleaned and free from saponin (the bitter-tasting outer coat). Naturally gluten-free.
Nature’s Superfoods Organic White/Cream Quinoa is now available in Singapore in net 500g and net 1kg packs.
How to Use
How to cook Quinoa:
Quinoa has a mild nutty flavor when cooked, with a slightly crunchy texture. The simplest way is to cook it like rice.
Rinse raw quinoa grains under running water for 5-10 seconds using a strainer. Bring to a boil in a saucepan/pot – 1 part grain, 2 parts water/stock and then reduce the heat to low, simmer for another 10-15min until quinoa has absorbed the water and the Quinoa seed’s white spiral ‘tail’ appears. One cup of uncooked quinoa makes 3-4 cups of cooked quinoa.
Cooked quinoa grains store well in the refrigerator (for a few days). Make a quinoa salad with other vegetables, or cook it like porridge. Cooked quinoa can be added directly into salads, cereals, soups, sauces, curries, etc…it is a very versatile whole grain.
For those who are used to eating/cooking rice and new to Quinoa, cook Quinoa grains with rice ( in equal proportions) in a rice cooker using the same water to grain, 2 to 1 ratio. Quinoa expands pretty much like rice i.e. about 3 times more when cooked. It will make the cooked rice even more fragrant with a slightly fluffy/crunchy texture and a mild nutty aroma.
Quinoa is a good source of essential amino acids, magnesium, iron, calcium, manganese, copper, phosphorus, and Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and many other phytonutrients. Here are its health benefits:
1. Anti-inflammatory properties - Reduces risks of cardiovascular disease including atherosclerosis, type 2 diabetes. Preliminary animal studies have also shown that daily quinoa intake is able to lower levels of inflammation in fat (adipose) tissue (associated with obesity), and also lower total cholesterol.
2. Improves migraine as well as hypertension conditions - Quinoa is a good source of magnesium which help relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Migraine sufferers are also advised to stay away from artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) and foods containing additives (like MSG).
3. Improves the digestive system - Quinoa is high in dietary, colon-cleansing fibre. Reduces risk of getting gallstones.
4. Supports weight loss efforts - Being a low-carb, high-protein whole grain, Quinoa makes you stay full longer on fewer calories. A typical serving (for 1 person) will be about 60-80 grams (uncooked weight) and you will feel full and satisfied. The low glycemic index (GI) and the high quality protein content (with all 9 essential amino acids), makes quinoa an excellent choice food for bodybuilders, who want to cut down fat while developing lean muscle.
To know more health benefits and the difference between White Quinoa and Red Quinoa – download our write-up to read more! Click Quinoa Seeds or Quinoa Seeds(Chinese)
Quinoa is now widely known as one of the world's healthiest foods.
Nutritionists have discovered that Quinoa is low in sugar and starch and high in fibre and unsaturated fats esp. heart-healthy mono-unsaturated fats (such as oleic acid). It contains many essential vitamins and minerals. The experts are most excited about the fact that the amount of protein (12-18%) in quinoa is higher than all other grains (50% more than wheat) and this protein is of superior quality. Unlike wheat or rice, which are low in essential amino acid lysine (necessary for tissue growth and repair), quinoa contains a balanced set of all 9 essential amino acids, making it an unusually complete food for the human body.
Studies have shown that Quinoa is packed with anti-inflammatory phytonutrients which include a significant concentration of flavonoids—quercetin and kaempferol, small amounts of Omega 3 fatty acids, among others.
Quinoa is also a good source of phosphorous, calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin E and several of the B vitamins. It is naturally gluten-free, easy to digest and prepare.
Consuming 100g of quinoa (approx half a cup) is equaivalent to drinking four glasses of milk. Quinoa also has six times the amount of iron and calcium of corn and 20 times more iron than rice.
Servings per package(500g): 5
Serving size: 100g or half cup dry
||% Daily Value*
*Percent Daily Value are based on a 2000-calorie diet. Your Daily Values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.