Quinoa – the ‘mother seed’

Quinoa: the facts
Quinoa – pronounced ‘keen-wah’
From a species of Chenopodium or goosefoot plants
Dates back over 5,000 years in the Andes
Known by the Incas as ‘the mother of all grains’ or the ‘mother seed’.
Extremely hardy
Saponin: Natural Protection
Prevents insect and bird predation.
Extremely bitter.
Must be removed.
Controversial proposal for development of a saponin-free strain of quinoa!
How to wash Quinoa…
1. Place quinoa in a fine colander or strainer
2. Run cold water over quinoa until soap scum has washed away
3. Rub the seeds while washing
4. Test the flavour – still acidic – run more cold water!
5. Wash and stir 3 or 4 times in water, or wash until water
is clear.
6. Never soak Quinoa before washing!

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