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Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about
quinoa and nutrition. Select a question from the list below
to jump to a specific answer, or scroll down to read all the
answers.
What is quinoa?
Quinoa is a broad-leafed, annual herb that is part of the
grass family. At maturation, the tall plant is topped with
large plume-like seeds that can be vivid red, orange, yellow,
black or white in color. Mild and nutty in taste, ready-to-cook
seeds are white or beige. Naturally high in calcium, iron,
and phosphorous, quinoa is a vegetarian source of complete
protein, containing all eight essential amino acids. It is
also gluten-free.
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Where does quinoa come from?
Native to the high plains of South America, quinoa grows
best at altitudes between 7,000 and 9,000 feet. Quinoa has
been cultivated for thousands of years in the high Andes of
Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia. Recently, quinoa has also been
planted in the Colorado Rockies of the United States.
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How do you pronounce “quinoa”?
Quinoa, believed to be a Quechuan word native to the peoples
of the high Andes, is pronounced “keen-wa” or “kee-noo-ah.”
It can also be spelled quinua or quinwa.
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Does quinoa contain gluten?
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. The premium-quality quinoa
used in the AltiPlano Gold breakfast blends is guaranteed
gluten-free.
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Is quinoa organic?
All of the quinoa used by AltiPlano Gold is certified organic.
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How should I cook quinoa?
Whole quinoa normally takes about 12-15 minutes to cook.
Use two parts water to one part quinoa.
Stovetop cooking directions:
- In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil.
Add 1 cup raw whole quinoa. Cover. Reduce heat to medium-low.
- Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring once, until all of the
liquid has been absorbed.
- Remove from heat, stir, re-cover, and let rest 5 minutes
before serving.
Microwave cooking directions:
- In a round 2-quart microwave-safe casserole dish or bowl,
combine 1 cup whole quinoa and 2 cups water.
- Cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- Microwave at HIGH 10-12 minutes, or until most of the
water is absorbed.
- Remove from microwave. Stir once. Let stand, covered,
for 5 minutes before serving.
Flaked quinoa normally takes about 60 seconds to cook. Use
2 parts water to 1 part quinoa.
Instant cooking directions:
- In a heat-safe bowl or cup, combine cereal blend with
_ cup boiling water.
- Let rest for 60 seconds.
- Stir to combine and enjoy!
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How can I use quinoa in my everyday
cooking?
Quinoa is considered a kitchen staple in many South American
countries. It is used much as we use rice in the United States
– in stuffings, puddings, and soups, or as a compliment
to fish, chicken, or beef.
As you would with rice, add a bit of butter or olive oil
while cooking for a richer flavor. For a Middle Eastern twist,
toss cooked quinoa with raisins, apricots, cinnamon, pine
nuts, and fresh basil. Quinoa makes a particularly good companion
for salmon or swordfish.
Flaked quinoa tends to work better with sweet or breakfast
applications. Substitute quinoa flakes for instant oatmeal
or instant cream of wheat. Serve with milk, chopped cranberries
and walnuts, and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Add it to cookie
recipes – substitute quinoa flakes for up to 1/3 of the
flour for a lighter texture, or use them to replace instant
oatmeal in recipes.
Experiment with your own recipes and have fun!
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Cooked quinoa has a little “tail”
– what is it?
Every seed has an endosperm. It is the food storage area
that surrounds the baby seedling. It is also responsible for
quinoa’s crunch. The bran surrounding the tail stores
quinoa’s fiber.
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