I’ve been discovering superfoods lately.  Today I want to tell you about Quinoa – pronounced Keen-wa.  My sister introduced me to Quinoa and I had it for the first time when a friend from school had made quinoa “lasagna”.  She substituted the pasta with the quinoa.  It was actually pretty good.  I hadn’t had it again until the other day when I made lunch for my sister and one of her co-workers.  To my surprise it was delicious and I didn’t have a problem with the texture (yup, I’m one of those texture eaters – it could be the best tasting thing in the world but if the texture is odd I can’t eat it – hello gag reflux).  All three of us thoroughly enjoyed the meal – seafood fried quinoa (a spin on chicken fried rice).

Quinoa has been used widely among vegetarians those who are gluten-intolerant.  It’s high in protein and many other daily nutrients one needs.  Quinoa also is good for those trying to loose weight because it is a “good” carbohydrate – it digests gradually.  It helps a person feel full longer and helps level out blood-sugar levels.  Apparently it is even good for those who are athletes or exercise because of the complex carbohydrates provide energy and endurance – the protein helps to build muscle.

It’s good for those who have food allergies – especially to gluten.  It’s not part of the wheat family at all.  It is from the fruit of a broadleaf plant and is in the same family as spinach and beets.  I’m trying to stay away from wheat.  I might have a growing intolerance to wheat (I haven’t been tested but my body tells me what I need to know).  After having quinoa I don’t feel bloated or any irritation, so I know I will be incorporating this food into my healthy foods – that are good!

Things to substitute for quinoa:

• pasta
• rice
• flour (quinoa flour)
• cereal (quinoa flakes – like rolled oats)

You can include quinoa in your:

• breakfast
• snacks
• salads
• appetizers
• soups & stews
• baked goods
• baby food
• pretty much anything

It kind of cooks similar to rice.  It grows to 3 times it’s size.  It has a nice flavour too.  I went to the bulk barn and bought some red and white quino (there are a variety of types).  I also bought quinoa flour.  As I prepare and try recipes I’ll share the good ones and different ways to prepare it.  My sister gave me a Quinoa recipe book and I am excited to jump in and try out some recipes – especially some of the baked goods.

For more information you can visit Quino365 .  The information in this post came from Quinoa: The Everyday Superfood 365 cookbook.

Have you used quinoa before?  How do you like it best?  If you haven’t ate it before, will you try it? I’d love to hear from you… leave your comment below!