Nutritionally, quinoa might be considered a supergrain--although it is not really a grain, but the seed of a leafy plant that's distantly related to spinach. Quinoa has excellent reserves of protein, and unlike other grains, is not missing the amino aicd lysine, so the protein is more complete (a trait it shares with other "non-true" grains such as buckwheat and amaranth). The World Health Organization has rated the quality of protein in quinoa at least equivalent to that in milk. Quinoa offers more iron than other grains and contains high levels of potassium and riboflavin, as well as other B vitamins: B6, niacin, and thiamin. It is also a good source of magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese, and has some folate (folic acid).

An ancient grainlike product that has recently been "rediscovered" in this country, quinoa has a light, delicate taste, and can be substituted for almost any other grain.

Though quinoa is a recent addition to the North American larder, this crop, native to the Andes, sustained the ancient Incas, and has been cultivated continuously for more than 5,000 years. Quinoa thrives in poor soil, arid climates, and mountainous altitudes. Today, most quinoa is imported from South America, although it is being cultivated on the high slopes of the Colorado Rockies.

Quinoa grains are about the same size as millet, but flattened, with a pointed, oval shape. The color ranges from pale yellow through red and brown to black. Quinoa cooks quickly to a light, fluffy texture. As it cooks, the external germ, which forms a band around each grain, spirals out, forming a tiny crescent-shaped "tail," similar to a bean sprout. Although the grain itself is soft and creamy, the tail is crunchy, providing a unique texture to complement quinoa's delicate flavor.

Originally grown in the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South America, quinoa (pronounced "keen-wa") was considered the "mother grain" that kept the Incan armies strong and robust. The grain was rediscovered and brought to the U.S. in the Eighties and test grown in Colorado. Today, quinoa is sold in many markets.

Nutritionally charged
Although no single food can supply all of life's essential nutrients, quinoa comes close. One of the more popular "supergrains," it is extraordinarily rich in nutrients, containing up to 50% more protein than most other grains. One of the best sources of vegetable protein in the vegetable kingdom, quinoa has a subtle, smoky flavor. It is a vegetarian source of calcium (26 mg per 1 cup serving), iron (4 mg per serving), and the B vitamins. Quinoa also contains high levels of lysine, an amino acid the body needs to make protein.

A good rinse
Quinoa is coated with a natural repellent, a bitter substance that protects the grain from insects and birds. To avoid a raw or bitter taste, place the grain in a fine strainer and rinse thoroughly with cold water. Drain.

Quinoa pilaf
A quick, delicious side dish. Rinse 3/4 cup quinoa. In large saucepan, saute 3 sliced scallions and 3 minced garlic cloves in 2 tsp. oil over medium heat until tender. Add quinoa and cook 3 minutes. Stir in 2 1/2 cups boiling water, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. pepper. Reduce to simmer, cover, and cook 20 to 25 minutes, or until tender. Stir in 1/3 cup dried cherries and 1/4 cup chopped pecans. Serves 4. [Per serving: 250 calories, 7 g protein, 36 g carbohydrate, 9 g fat]

A tiny spiral
During cooking, a fine, white spiral appears around the grain. Expect to see it, and enjoy.

Where to buy Quinoa? Tryquinoa.com