Q&A: All About Our Quinoa
Did you know that when you order organic quinoa from Nuts.com, you’re supporting economic development and sustainability efforts in Peru? We’re proud to source our quinoa from small farmers, benefiting their families and their local communities. Read on to learn more about the story of our quinoa.
What is quinoa?
Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a nutrient-dense seed that is renowned as a superfood. Known as the “mother of all grains,” quinoa has been cultivated in the Peruvian Andes for thousands of years, since pre-Incan times. Naturally gluten-free, it takes on a light, fluffy grain-like texture when cooked. This makes it a staple for gluten-sensitive dieters and a more nutritious alternative to rice or couscous.
Where does our quinoa come from?
Our quinoa is organically cultivated in the Peruvian highlands, about 3,000 meters above sea level, by a community of small farmers.
Is our quinoa certified organic?
Yes, our quinoa is USDA and CCOF Certified Organic. Agricultural engineers from local areas work with the farmers to monitor growing conditions and make sure organic standards are met. The generational knowledge of the farmers combined with the expertise of the engineers ensures that the quinoa thrives with environmentally-friendly growing methods. The quinoa crop is never treated with herbicides or pesticides.
How does our quinoa support small farmers and communities in Peru?
We’re proud to source our organic quinoa from a community of small Peruvian farmers. This gives them the opportunity to export their product amidst growing competition from large-scale competitors. Organic farming practices are more beneficial to the land, and help the farmers achieve a better yield than they would with other crops. The sale of organic quinoa improves the standard of living not only for the farmers and their families, but also for their neighboring communities.
Does our quinoa meet quality control standards?
Yes, as with all of our products, our organic quinoa is held to the highest standards for food safety and quality compliance. Throughout the cultivation and processing stages, our quinoa undergoes strict microbiological and quality control evaluation.
What are the health benefits of quinoa?
Quinoa is a powerhouse of nutrition. Most notably, its a complete protein source, which means it contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs on a daily basis. Quinoa’s high-quality protein content makes it the perfect diet staple for vegans and vegetarians. To aid digestive health, quinoa packs in nearly twice as much dietary fiber as other grains. A single serving of quinoa provides over 25% of the daily recommended serving for iron, the mineral that helps your body produce oxygen-rich red blood cells. It’s also a good source of antioxidants and other minerals like phosphorous and magnesium. As a naturally gluten-free food and excellent source of nutrients, quinoa has been warmly welcomed into many kitchens.
Does our quinoa need to be rinsed before cooking?
No, our quinoa is pre-rinsed for your convenience. All you need to do is cook it! Other brands may not pre-rinse their quinoa, so you should check the package label first. The purpose of rinsing quinoa is to remove saponin, the bitter outer coat layer that serves to protect the seed from birds and sunlight.
How do you cook quinoa?
Cooking quinoa is fast and easy! Simply combine one part quinoa with two parts water or broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and serve.
What are some easy quinoa recipes?
Whether you’re just starting out with quinoa, or it’s already one of your diet staples, we recommend one (or all!) of these recipes:
Are you excited to try quinoa for the first time? Do you already cook with it on a regular basis? Let us know in the comments!
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