Q is for Quinoa

When I first accepted this blogging challenge, I was kind of worried about several letters that I might not be able to find an ingredient for. In itself, I think Q is a bit of a strange letter. Thankfully, I stumbled upon quinoa. I can't recall if it was something I came across in a grocery store or during my internet travels, but it seems to be the perfect fit for today's blog post!

Quinoa, pronounced Keen-wah,  has been given a "super food" status in recent years and is growing in popularity due to its list of health benefits. You could consider quinoa as a grain (even though it is just a seed), much like wheat or rice, but it is actually more closely related to spinach or beetroot. Since ancient times, this grain oddity has been grown by the Inca people and was referred to as "The mother grain". The Spanish colonists despised this seed, because it was associated with the native people. Due to Spanish law and active suppression of the plant, quinoa was almost banned into extinction. Little did the Spanish know, quinoa was prized by the natives for reasons that can only be fully understood in this current age.

To say the least, this super food packs a punch! Quinoa is a great source of manganese, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, zinc, and of course fiber. For all of you out there who are interested in boosting your protein intake, quinoa roughly contains 24 grams of protein in every cup! If you, or any of your friends have gluten allergies, quinoa might be just what you are looking for; quinoa is gluten-free because it is not related to wheat or other grains.

I have never actually used this seed before, but it sounds like I have plenty of reason to. Have you ever tried quinoa? I have heard that it is somewhat on the bland side, so I am rather curious to see how people usually eat it. Thanks for read, and I hope everyone has a great Easter!

Till next time,

~Mr. McLovin