Gluten-Free Grain Quinoa Gaining in Popularity

Cooked quinoa will have grains that have become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself, appearing like a white-spiraled tail.

TEXARKANA, Ark. –

There is a gluten free grain that gaining popularity, it’s called Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah. Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain. It’s a complete protein, containing all essential amino acids necessary for good health.

Quinoa was first harvested in Bolivia thousands of years ago. It has a mild flavor and light crunch which makes this gluten free grain a perfect substitute for rice, couscous or pasta. It’s even being milled into gluten free flour that can be used in baking or as the base for gluten free pastas, and cereals.

It comes in three colors varieties, whole grain white, black and red. Whole grain white is the easiest to find. The tiny, bead-shaped, quinoa cooks like rice and expands to four times its original volume. Its flavor is delicate, almost bland, and may be compared to couscous. While botanically it is not a grain, we cook it and eat is as a grain so you will find it locally packaged as a grain, and found in the baking section or pasta section of most supermarkets.

This super grain is higher in unsaturated fats and lower in carbohydrates than most grains, and it provides a rich and balanced source of vital nutrients. In just one fourth cup serving you get 158 calories, 5 grams protein, 30 grams carbohydrates, and 3 grams dietary fiber.

I recently purchased it in a box in the supermarket. Remember quinoa expands during the cooking process to several times its original size. Store in an airtight container. It will keep for a longer period of time, approximately three to six months, if stored in the refrigerator.

Preparing quinoa is an easy process, but rinsing is essential. Commercial cultivation removes much of the soapy saponins that coats quinoa seeds, however it is still a good idea to thoroughly wash the seeds. An effective method is to run cold water over quinoa that has been placed in a fine-meshed strainer, gently rubbing the seeds together with your hands. To ensure that the saponins have been completely removed, taste a few seeds. If  saponins are still on the quinoa, they will have a bitter taste, and you will need to rinse again.

Cooked quinoa will have grains that have become translucent, and the white germ has partially detached itself, appearing like a white-spiraled tail.

Quinoa is versatile and can be used in a breakfast dish similar to rice pudding, or in a vegetable salad, stew or pilaf. Start with the basic recipe and then get creative.

For more information contact the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, Miller County Extension office, Room 215 of the Miller County courthouse. E-mail chadley@uada.edu or call 870-779-3609. You can also get great tips on facebook at UAEXMillerCountyFCS/CarlaHaleyHadley, and  twitter at @MillerCountyFCS or visiting us at uaex.uada.edu/miller.

                                                             Basic Quinoa Recipe

1 cup quinoa

1 1/2 cups cold water

1/4 tsp salt, optional

Rinse Quinoa. Add cold water, stir the quinoa with your hand, and pour off the rinsing water through a fine mesh strainer. Repeat at least once. Drain rinsed quinoa through a fine strainer. Transfer drained quinoa to the cooking pot, add cold water & salt if desired. Bring quinoa and water to a boil with the lid on (keep a close eye on it), then turn the heat down to simmer. Cook quinoa for 10 - 12 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit five minutes with the lid on. Fluff quinoa gently with a fork and serve.

By Carla Hadley
County Extension Agent - FCS/Staff Chair
The Cooperative Extension Service
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Media Contact: Carla Hadley
County Extension Agent - FCS/Staff Chair
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
400 Laurel Street, Suite 215 Texarkana AR 71854
(870) 779-3609
chadley@uada.edu

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