During today’s health food craze, there are many buzzwords being thrown around. You might have heard quinoa come up once or twice in the discussions! But what is quinoa? What makes quinoa so special compared to other grains? And how do you cook quinoa and incorporate quinoa into your meals to make delicious quinoa food?
Put simply, quinoa is a flowering plant in the amaranth family. Quinoa itself is an edible seed that is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Quinoa boasts many health benefits that make it so special compared with other grains. It is the only plant food that supplies a complete protein, meaning it offers all essential amino acids, and has 25% more protein than refined grains. It also offers great anti-inflammatory benefits and promotes healthy gut microbes. Additionally, it is gluten free, making it safe for people with gluten intolerance or Celiac disease. It is easy to see why quinoa is often referred to as “the most nutritious food on the planet” - it is a gluten-free, whole grain carbohydrate and a complete protein!
Keen One Quinoa is grown in the altiplano or high plateau climates of Bolivia. The plant is native to the Andean region of South America, and has been a staple crop there for millenia. In fact, many ancient Andean cultures referred to it as “the sacred grain”. However, demand for quinoa in recent years has expanded quinoa growth to regions outside of the Andes as well.
As you can see, quinoa has an overwhelming amount of nutritional value and health benefits. Now that you know what quinoa is and what makes it so special compared to its grain counterparts, you might be wondering how to prepare quinoa and incorporate it into your diet. Please see our FAQ’s page to learn the 3 techniques we recommend for cooking quinoa.
Quinoa food is not only healthy, but also delicious and simple to make. Serve quinoa as a side dish to your favorite protein to add a healthy carb, or top your favorite salad with quinoa to add another dimension of flavor. Or, create a bowl by using quinoa as a base and topping it with your favorite veggies or proteins - plant-based or not! Keen One Quinoa Cups also make an easy way to incorporate quinoa into your diet with their bold flavors that can be enjoyed alone or added with other ingredients to make tasty meals. However you choose to enjoy quinoa, you will not be disappointed!
