Meet My Friend: Quinoa

For your reading pleasure and general knowledge, I am starting a Wednesday segment called "Meet My Friend". On Wednesdays I'll introduce you to one my culinary friends that you may not have known before! Today we're meeting the elusive Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah, I personally enjoy saying it with a little Antonio Banderas flare!). I know some of you might have been intimidated by this week's friend, but let me show you that Quinoa is nothing to be frightened of!

Quick History:
Grown by the Incas, who believed the crop to be sacred, usually the Inca emperor would traditionally sow the first seeds of the season. But, when the Europeans conquered South America, Quinoa became scorned by the Spanish Colonists for food for the Indians. The conquistadors forced the Incas to grow corn instead. It is believed that Quinoa has been widely grown and eaten in South America for over 6,000 years!

Nutritional Value:
Quinoa is rare because it has 12%-18% protein, which is very high for a non-meat form or protein. (See, vegetarian meals CAN have protein! This statement is for all the non-believers, you know who you are.) Also, it has a balanced set of essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein. And, of course, it has fiber (we all know why that is important), phosphorus, magnesium and iron. Because of it's gluten-free nature it is easier to digest, for those of us with sensitive tummies.

Random Awesome Fact:
Because of Quinoa's fabulousness, it is being considered a possible crop in NASA's Controlled Ecological Life Support System for long-duration manned spaceflights.

Local Places to Find Quinoa:
You're local health food store, or I found mine at a Brookshire's.

Food for Wisdom,

the SupperSmiths, forging one meal at a time

in case you need this week's menu

picture source:http://www.amazon.com/Ancient-Harvest-Organic-Traditional-12-Ounce/dp/B000LKUTLE