Organic Food Supplier - What is Quinoa?

Organic Quinoa Supplier

First, find out what is quinoa? And why is it good for you? Then find an organic food supplier who will supply organic quinoa.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is a food grown primarily in South America; it is the seed of the Goosefoot plant. The seeds are also known as "little rice" as they are often used and cooked as rice is cooked (in soups and breads). Beets, spinach and swiss chard are all related to the Goosefoot plant (also known as Chenopodium).

There are over 120 species of Goosefoot but only three varieties are cultivated. Of these three, one produces very pale and sweet seeds (white quinoa), a dark red seed (red quinoa), and a dark seed (black quinoa). The seeds are small, flat and oval shaped.

Why is Quinoa Good For You?

Quinoa is high in protein, calcium, iron, a source of vitamin E and several B vitamins. The seed's protein is consider a complete protein as it contains all eight essential amino acids.

Rice, corn and barley contain less than half the protein of quinoa. It has between 12 to 18% protein and about 6 to 7% fat and low sodium content. The seeds are an excellent alternative to grains for those wanting a gluten-free diet.

Cooking with Quinoa

Before cooking, the seeds must be rinsed (in a strainer under running water) to remove their coating (much like a resin). As quinoa is cooked the outer skin or germ around each grain twists to form a white spiral tail that remains attached to the seed; the seed is soft and the tail is crunchy.

Quinoa has a fluffy consistency (much like rice) and a mild, nutty flavor.

Quinoa can be used in hot dishes (such as casseroles, soups, stews) or in cold dishes such as salads or cereals. The seeds cook quickly (about 15 minutes). You can toast the seeds in a pan and eat them as a snack or use the toasted seeds as a 'topper' on salads, pasta, cereals and more.

Store the uncooked seeds in the fridge - they have a relatively high oil and fat content. You can find quinoa at health food stores, natural food stores, online, and in your grocer's organic grains (even though it's not a grain) section.

You now know what is quinoa, how to use it in your cooking, and why it's good for you. Try the recipe below to start using quinoa.

Organic Recipes

Quinoa Salad

3/4 cup uncooked quinoa

1 cup roughly grated carrots

1/2 cup of roughly grated daikon (chinese radish)

1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup minced parsley or cilantro

2 sliced green onions

1 tablespoon of lemon (or lime) juice

1 to 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (to taste)

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 cloves minced or pressed garlic

Pinch of cayenne

Rinse quinoa under running water and drain well. Put in a pan and dry toast until a few grains begin to pop. Add 1-1/2 cups of water, bring to a boil, cover and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork and let cool.

Mix carrot, daikon, red pepper, parsley and green onion in large bowl. Add cold quinoa and toss to combine, Whisk together lemon or lime juice, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic and cayenne. Pour over salad and combine well. Chill until serving time.

Serves 4 as an appetizer or side salad, or 2 as a main course.

DBA Foods is a supplier of quinoa to the UK. You can contact DBA for information on what is quinoa and how to use it, organic quinoa, quinoa supply, and for contact information on accessing quinoa in other parts of the world.

Why buy organic? There are advantages of organic food for everyone: benefits of organic food, and an organic way of life, are significant to your health and to the environment's health.

DBA Foods Ltd.

Submitted by Albert Escobar

London, England

My name is Albert Escobar and I am from Bolivia living in England for the last 20 years.

• I established my importing and supplying business of Organic Quinoa from Bolivia in 2000 and I distribute my products throughout the UK.
• The Quinoa from Bolivia is of the highest quality and world-wide standards.
• For enquiries please contact me by email: dba.foods@btinternet.com
• or by Phone: +44 (0)20 8427 0544
• Fax: +44 (0)20 8861 5021
• Mobile: +44 (0)79454 400339

Read More

Visit Buy Organic Food.

Visit Definition of Organic Food.

Visit Organic Food Recipe.

Return from What is Quinoa? to Organic Food Site-Map.

Or return from What is Quinoa? to Organic Food For Eveyone.