Quinoa,a species of goosefoot(Chenopodium), is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudocereal rather than a true cereal, or grain, as it is not a member of the grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds. Quinoa (the name is derived from the Spanish spelling of the Quechua name kinwa or occasionally "Qin-wah") originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru,
where it was successfully domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for
human consumption, though archeological evidence shows a
non-domesticated association with pastoral herding some 5,200 to 7,000
years ago.After harvest, the grains need to be processed to remove the coating containing the bitter-tasting saponins.
Quinoa grains are in general cooked the same way as rice and can be
used in a wide range of dishes. Quinoa leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth, but the commercial availability of quinoa greens is limited.
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