At Earthly Delights we are excited to bring you another exotic and highly nutritious, great tasting food, this time from South America. Quinoa (Pronounced KEEN-wah), is one of several ancient grains being rediscovered today by chefs around North America. Once known as “The Gold of the Incas” and the “Mother of all Grains” Quinoa, was the core protein of the Inca diet. In an effort to dominate the Indian culture the Conquistadors tried to eradicate the cultivation and consumption Quinoa.

Quinoa is growing in popularity today because it delivers all of the nutritional benefits of animal protein without the fat and or calories. The grain has a lovely nutty flavor that is richer in flavor than couscous and it cooks quickly in roughly 15 minutes.

One serving of Quinoa has more calcium and protein than a quart of milk and this super grain contains as much protein per serving as meat. Quinoa contains all 8 amino acids, the protein building blocks that our bodies can’t make but must get from our food. Quinoa has is on average 16 % protein compared to rice at 9%. Quinoa is an excellent source of fiber, containing both soluble and non-soluble fiber. It is high in a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, like iron, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus. It is also gluten free.

In its natural state Quinoa is covered with a bitter tasting coating called saponins. The coating makes the grain unappealing for birds eat while still on the plant. While our Quinoa is pre-washed you should still always place the product in a strainer prior to cooking and rinse thoroughly.

 
  • Health
  • Quick Facts
  • Nutrition
  • Prepare & Recipes

BENEFITS OF EATING WHOLE GRAINS LIKE QUINOA
  • Helps Maintain Healthy Cholesterol

  • Lower Glycemic Index, which means steadier blood sugar levels which can contribute to lowering the risk of type II diabetes.

  • Lowers risk of chronic disease

  • Promotes a healthy Heart



Nutrients include, but not limited to:
  • Complete protein: includes all essential amino acids
  • Magnesium
  • Fiber
  • Manganese and Copper
Gluten free!
Quick to prepare
More than 5,000 years of continuous cultivation
Whole grain

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1/4 Cup (43g)
Servings Per Container 42
Amount Per Serving
Calories 160 Calories from Fat 20
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2.5g 4%
      Saturated Fat 0g 0%
      Trans Fat 0g  
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1mg 0%
Total Carbohydrate 29g 10%
      Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
      Sugars 0g  
Protein 6g  
Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 2%
Calcium 0% Iron 20%
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calories needs:
  Calories 2,000 2,500
Total Fat Less Than 65g 80g
Sat Fat Less Than 20g 25g
Cholesterol Less Than 300mg 300mg
Sodium Less Than 2,400mg 2400mg
Total Carbohydrates 300g 375g
Dietary Fiber 25g 30g
Calories per gram:
Fat 9 Carbohydrate 4 Protein 4

How to Prepare and Recipes

Preparing Quinoa is as easy as rice and or couscous. With two cups of water for every one cup of Quinoa, bring to a boil and then cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. The grain is cooked when it is somewhat translucent and the germ of the seed sprouts and forms a small filament around the core of the grain.

Vegetables and seasonings can be added to the water while cooking for extra flavor.

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