The quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa ) is an annual herbaceous plant of the family of the Chénopodiacée S, and tribe of the Cyclolobae, cultivated for its seeds rich in Protéines. He is considered a pseudo-cereal, since he does not belong to the family of the Graminées, but with that of the Betterave and the spinach S (the Chénopodiacées).

The Incas called the quinoa “chisiya mama”, which means in Quechua “ mother of all the grains ”.

This traditional plant, cultivated for more than five thousand years on the high plateaus of South America has been redécouverte recently. Like the Bean, the Potato and the Corn, the quinoa was at the base of the food of civilizations précolombiennes, but, contrary to these last, it did not hold the attention of the Spanish conquerors because of the content of Saponine of the envelope of not barked seeds and owing to the fact that the Farine which of it is drawn is not suitable for making bread.

One now finds the quinoa in certain large surfaces and the stores of products resulting from the Organic farming and the Equitable trade.

Variety

The principal variety is the quinoa Real , of low content saponin.

There exist several varieties like: Bear, Vanilla Cherry, Cochabamba, dave 407, Gossi, Isluga, Kaslala, Kcoito, Linares, Rainbow, Red faro, Red head (good adaptability in rainy climate), Temuco.

Nutrition

The quinoa is very digeste, without gluten, low in lipid, but rich in food iron and protein. On average, the quinoa contains 16 to protein 18%. It contains also all the Amino-acid essential with the human life. It has a caviar texture and a light hazel nut taste.

To consume it, it should be rinsed in water to eliminate its bitter taste. He cooks himself preferably in cooking pilaf, by making it cook with the Eau, at least 15 minutes in twice his volume out of water. He is very good in accompaniment, to replace the Riz, the Semoule or the pastes.

Because of the Saponin, the quinoa is disadvised to the children of less than 2 years.

Culture

It is advised to sow the quinoa as of April (hemisphere northern, oceanic climate) because if the temperature is too high, the quinoa germ badly; in the contrary case it is necessary to cool the seeds during a few days.