To think we almost lost the chance to experience Quinoa is something that makes this "super food" worth trying. Quinoa is a seed that looks and almost tastes like whole grains, which is why it is called a "pseudo" grain. It comes from the mountain of the Andes in South America. The Incas once referred to Quinoa as "chisiya mama" (mother grain in english). It was known to be the "gold of the Incas" before it was called "super food". In an effort to annihilate the Incas and their ich culture, Spanish conquistadors almost removed quinoa from the face of the earth, but thankfully, quinoa survived throughout the years and now it can be enjoyed every single day of the year.
Quinoa is circular and flat, much like wheat or oat. It becomes soft and fluffy with a bit of a crunch when cooked. Quinoa is known to have a subtle flavor and is very light. Quinoa and it’s ability to compliment any flavor or ingredient makes it a favorite among health conscious individuals who follow a strict diet. It can be seen in desserts, light meals, or entrees. Quinoa recipes are often healthy and full of vitamin rich ingredients. Although the common quinoa dishes are salads, it is used by other people in soups, bread, pudding, casseroles, or pasta dishes as well.
The versatility of quinoa can not only be found in quinoa dishes, it can also be found in the different benefits that we get from quinoa. Quinoa is often used by people who want to lose weight. Because it has fiber which helps speed up our metabolism we are able to lose weight faster thanks to quinoa. People who follow a gluten free diet also enjoy quinoa everyday. Quinoa is often used to treat malnutrition specially in children, it can also prevent obesity and hypertension.