This ancient grain has recently become very fashionable amongst those who like to eat healthy, so what is it and how can you cook with it?

Quinoa is a sead, and contains all the protein amino acids.

BASIC RECIPE:

The basic recipe for cooking quinoa is to mix 2 parts (volume) of quinoa to 3 parts water and season to taste.

Follow directions on packet, its best soaked in water then being rinsed in cold water ahead of cooking.

Mix the water and quinoa in the above mentioned proportions in a pan, bring up to a low simmer and add a lid to the pan, it will take 15-25 minutes to cook.

An option is to use vegetable stock instead of water for a more flavorful dish.

There are many recipes out there, so take a surf!

Its pronounced keen-wah.

RESTRICTED DIETS:

Gluten allergy:

For those with gluten allergies this is a way of adding a starch to a meal.

Vegetarians:

Quinoa is a seed and is an excellent source of protein, being approximately 15% protein. It contains all 9 amino acids.
It is also an excellent source of iron making this a great dish for a vegetarian.

HEALTH BENEFITS:

Migraine sufferers:

High levels of magnesium is believed to assist in the prevention of Migraines.

Heart health:

A study published by the American Heart Journal showed that it slowed the build up of cholesterol in the arteries. Also diets high in whole grains are known to protect against high blood pressure, and lower high cholesterol.
Its magnesium properties also lend itself well to being a heart healthy food.

Vitamins and Minerals:

It contains a healthy dose of a number of the B vitamins as well as a number of minerals, and vitamin E.
It is extremely high in the mineral manganese, just half a cup will provide you almost an entire daily supply of this mineral. It also contains plenty of magnesium.
Very high in fiber.