Quinoa

I just recently discovered about Quinoa and after having read many things about it, I've started using in my meals and exploring it. I'm always a little suspicious of anything that gets claimed as a super food. Which is why it took me a while to get around to trying quinoa.

My first encounter was with a part of my salad for dinner. Not very inspiring unless you come from work. Bare in mind, it is not a seed but grains. Super easy to cook and can be replaced with rice. It does taste nutty but it is not a nut (for those who is allergic to nuts) Here are some things you should know about Quinoa

It has a funny pronunciation. I always feel a tiny bit pretentious when I correct people but apparently it likes to be referred to as Keen-wah. It is super delicious, no matter how good for you a food is, I don't include it in my diet unless it passes the taste bud.  A big positive for vegetarians as I've learned recently. It's also pretty good on iron and fire which gets the nutritionist excited. 

It really needs to be washed well otherwise it will taste bitter. I read somewhere that the surface of quinoa contains a chemical called sponin that has a bitter soapy taste. Most commercial quinoa will already be washed and have the saponin removed but it's a good idea to rinse it just before you use it in case there are residues. Why I am saying just before because it absorb a lot of water.