Nutty Bites: Quinoa

Disclaimer: Nutty Bites is where I talk about healthy food items with funny, "nutty" names.  I will throw them into the blog every once in awhile... got a "nutty" food item you want mentioned?  Email suggestions to me at BriTexas@gmail.com.

A spoonful of uncooked quinoa!

This nutrient powerhouse is so fun to say!  It’s almost like a karate word to be spoken when your hand chops through a brick.  Instead of hi- yah, its keen-wah!  So I expect all of you to do a karate move every time you say that word from now on, especially whenever you are picking some out at the grocery store.  You may get stares, but at least you are having fun AND picking out a highly nutritious food!

Okay, back to its nutrient content.  What intrigues me about this grain is that it has been around for centuries.  It only feels like a new food invention because we have invited it back into our pantries & on just about any supermarket’s shelves.  Quinoa dates back to at least 3000 B.C. and was known as the “mother grain” to the Incas.  

According to the Ancient Harvest brand of Quinoa, which is a brand you can find at most grocery stores now, quinoa is technically not even a grain.  It’s a fruit of the Chenopodium family.  What’s so great about this grain or fruit or whatever you want to call it?  Compared to other grain-like products, fruits, and vegetables, it is high in protein, calcium, and iron.  Many recipes are available online since quinoa is blooming with popularity nowadays, but a simple way to try quinoa is to substitute it for rice.  Have a serving of black beans & quinoa with a couple sides and voila! You have a complete meal with the “mother grain”.

Eat well,

Bri