ENIGMATIC QUINOA

Quinoa is rich in protein and does not contain gluten. 

Native to South America. A flowering plant in the amaranth family. Quinoa is botanically considered a seed not a grain. Contains extremely beneficial nutrients and has the complete profile of all 20 amino acids, including the 10 essential acids our body does not produce on its own. Among them: fiber, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, copper, iron, thiamine, zinc, riboflavin, Vitamin B-6, potassium, selenium, Vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids.

They are many varieties of Quinoa throughout the world. The most popular are White Quinoa, Red Quinoa and Black Quinoa.

Facts:

Quinoa was first grown as a food 3.000-4.000 years ago in the Andes. The Incas called it "the mother grain" and believed it was holy;

The year 2013 was named "The International Year of Quinoa" by the United Nations because of its valuable qualities and potential to fight world hunger;

Quinoa is a complete protein source (it’s good for people on plant-based diets).

Cooking quinoa is simple and now Hawaii Pharm presents a tasty recipes for you to get acquainted with quinoa:

You need:

1 cup quinoa

2 cups milk/soy milk/almond milk/

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cinnamon (optional)

1 cup strawberries (diced)

nuts (advice hazelnuts or you can choose your favorite)

chia seeds

flax oil or coconut oil

Combine quinoa and milk in a saucepan.

Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes.

Add sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and heat for another 5 to 6 minutes, until quinoa is soft.

Add strawberries and other toppings. Enjoy!

Healthy combination of protein, fiber and fruit = tasty breakfast

For this you will need:

1/2 cup quinoa

1 cup water

2/3 cup milk/soy milk

1 tablespoon cocoa powder

1 tablespoon maple syrup (or another sweetener)

1 banana (sliced or mashed)

salt

Heat the quinoa and water stovetop for about 5 minutes. After this, add in the milk, stirring to combine, reduce the heat to medium low, and heat an additional 5-7 minutes, until liquid is mostly absorbed and the quinoa is soft and fully cooked. Add more water if needed.

Once the quinoa is fully cooked, remove the pan from heat and stir in the cocoa powder, maple syrup and banana slices.

Add salt if you'd like, just to help bring out all the flavors.