So you've had it with red meat and cheese. A friend of ours, Ricki, came up with the perfect solution. The poverty-stricken peoples of South America have been consuming this alternative superfood for generations. The Inca civilization considered it to be sacred and "the mother of all grains". In fact it dates back to 3000 B.C. Under the right conditions it can be grown in your own back yard. So if you are one of those who are worried that the end is nigh, its time to move to the right location and start a garden....
Keen what? Pronounced 'keen wah', Quinoa is a frequently neglected and relatively unknown superfood - containing a perfect balance of all eight essential amino acids. It is gluten-free and a great source of protein. Nothing else packs a punch of nutrition quite like quinoa. During one of the worst global recessions in history, demand for quinoa has helped to increase exports in two very poor countries: Peru and Bolivia. Since the wholesale price of the Andean grain has jumped sevenfold since 2000, these two down-trodden South American nations have definitely benefited economically.
Quinoa is also popular with people trying to lose weight because it is nutrient dense and low calorie. In addition, thanks to the protein, it keeps you fuller longer.It can be used for a variety of dishes. Often treated like rice, it is great in casseroles and stir frys. It can also be used in salads, desserts and as a hot breakfast cereal. It is now being sold in pasta form and has become popular in Europe, Japan and North America. For all lovers of curry, think "curried chicken and quinoa". Hungry yet?
So for all those budding chefs, get with it! Ricki suggests a recipe book Quinoa 365, and believe me, her meals are delicious! And for the me-types, anybody with any idea of how to make money off this....don't be shy.
Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first. - Ernestine Ulmer
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