Quinoa a substitute for rice and other whole grains

Quinoa(KEEN-wah) is considered one of the best grains on the market and is considered to be a “superfood”. Quinoa is high in protein(8 grams per cup), high in fiber(5 grams per cup), and a good source of iron, zinc, vitamin E, and selenium. It also qualifies as a complete protien containing all the essential amino acids including lysine.
Quinoa dates back more then 5,000 years to the Incas of South America. The Incas use to refer to it as the Mother grain. Then in the 1500’s the spanish conquest nearly distroyed all the crops. The grain still grew wilded and some villagers still used it. Over the last hundred years the the production of Quinoa has re-emerged. The demand for Quinoa has spread worldwide and now is even being cultivated in the United States.
Today you can find Quinoa is most stores and it comes in a variety of colors, such as white, yellow, gray, red and black. White and red quinoa are the most common in the United States.
When using quinoa you want to rinse it good to remove its slightly bitter coating. Just rinse it and rub it between your fingers and repeat til the water runs clear. You can use it for breakfest in like a porridge, in salads, and as a substitute for rice and other whole grains.
Another nice thing about this grain is that is its a friendly grain for those eating gluten-free.