Pronounced KEEN-wah or KEE-no-uh[i] , Quinoa is ancient staple grain that is not only flavorful, but is also highly nutritious and convenient! I would have to agree with the folks at Men’s Health Magazine, who have named Quinoa the "Top Secret Superfood," in its April 2007 issue. They specifically mentioned the EDEN Organic Brand, which cooks in just in twelve minutes!

According to the EDEN Organic variety, “Quinoa was first cultivated over 7,000 years ago near the equator in South America and was a staple grain of the Inca, Maya and other Native Americans for centuries. In Quechua and Aymara languages, Quinoa means 'Mother Grain'. In recent decades it has become widely popular for its nutrition, flavor and convenience. A relaxing and satisfying whole grain with fast growing global appeal, quinoa has been called 'the rice of the new millennium.'”

Why Quinoa is so great:

Besides being one of the fastest-cooking whole grains, Quinoa is an unusually complete source of protein! For those vegetarians and vegans out there, this crop is for you. Quinoa apparently contains the BEST AMINO ACID PROFILE of all grains, including lysine and threonine, which are rarely found in cereal grains.[ii] *(See below for the complete amino acid profile of EDEN Brand Quinoa.)

Quinoa provides 45% of the daily value (DV) of FIBER, or 11 grams, per serving. This means that Quinoa will help make you feel full and therefore, has the ability to curb appetite. A great diet food!

Quinoa is HEART-HEALTHY and nutritious. It provides ample iron, vitamin E, riboflavin (B2), vitamin B6, magnesium, and zinc. Quinoa is also very low in sodium, saturated fat free, and cholesterol free. According to the FDA, "Diets rich in whole grain foods and other plant foods, and low in saturated fats and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease and certain cancers."

Quinoa is a wheat- and GLUTEN-FREE whole grain food. The American Celiac Sprue Association lists quinoa as "consistent with a gluten free diet.” The Canadian Celiac Foundation also lists quinoa as an allowed food on the gluten-free diet. In the Canadian Celiac Association's, 'Celiac News Articles', Dr. J. A. Campbell says, "Quinoa is a very nutritious grain and therefore a very useful alternative to wheat, rye, barley and oats in the diet of Celiacs."

And it is VERY TASTY!

Most similar to couscous, Quinoa has a nutty crunch and hearty taste. Versatile, quinoa can substitute any grain in a meal, as shown in the picture above.

SERVE QUINOA AS:

• A hot cereal for breakfast, and add honey.
• An entrée, and add beans or vegetables.
• A side of grains, to substitute for rice or couscous.
• A stuffing in vegetables or crunch addition to soups or salads.
• Or Ground into flour, and use for baking! (It even adds moisture to baked goods.)[iii] “Place 3/4 cup of Quinoa in a blender and grind 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes fine flour; equals 1 cup flour. Use to make delicious, wheat and gluten free desserts, pastries and baked goods.”

WHERE TO BUY: Click here to buy in bulk or visit Whole Foods to get individual, re-sealable packs for less than $5. CitySlim recommends EDEN Organic Quinoa.

*Quinoa Amino Acid Profile Per 45 gram Serving of EDEN Organic Variety Quinoa: