The Mother of All Grains

Not all plant-based foods are created equal. Quinoa is one of the few that contains all nine essential amino acids, which are vital nutrients our body cannot produce. They are isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, cysteine, methionine, threonine, histidine, tryptophan and valine. They’re a mouthful to say, but a treat to eat.

Gluten? Don’t know her. Quinoa is not only safe for coeliacs and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity - it’s a recommended alternative to wheat.

Quinoa is also highly digestible, which makes it especially suitable for children’s diets. The Incans believe quinoa is the next best thing to mother's milk.

Quinoa is a complex carbohydrate, which makes it an outstanding source of energy. Complex carbohydrates are like high-performance fuel for your body, powering your energy production. They’re easy for stomachs to digest and release energy slowly, sustaining you throughout the day without spiking blood sugar and insulin. Less crashing, more smashing (your to-do list).

Not only does nutrient-dense quinoa supply the body with an excellent source of vitamins and minerals (including iron, copper, zinc, potassium, manganese, magnesium and vitamin B).

Quinoa: fighting free radicals since 3000 BC. Seriously though - quinoa supplies the body with superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant that helps fight oxidative damage caused by the release of free radicals. Antioxidants also protect and preserve your cell mitochondria and red blood cells, and with the help of manganese and copper (also in quinoa) can prevent cell damage and disease.

Quinoa contains both soluble and insoluble fibre. It’s the combo of both that helps you stay fuller for longer - which means you need less food to feel satisfied. This helps maintain a healthy weight and helps you stay ‘regular’.

Anti-inflammatory is a well-worn claim, so let’s break it down. Anti-inflammatory means protecting human blood vessels from inflammatory damage. Quinoa contains both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, which make it a healthy choice.

We don’t mean to brag, but quinoa has some pretty impressive fatty acids. Yep, we’re talking 100% plant-based Omega 3, 6 & 9. This holy trinity is not only wholly vegan; they provide a range of health benefits, from fat loss, weight management and a healthy heart.

Quinoa is grown as a white, black or red seed. There isn’t much difference between the colours - the darker seeds can take longer to cook, and taste slightly nuttier. Each type of quinoa can be turned into flakes, flour, puffs and crisps. They’re equally good in sweet and savoury dishes. Quinoa seeds are the true all-rounder - breakfast or lunch, dinner, snacks and all in between - everything from porridge to pastry, sorbet to stuffing. In fact, we challenge you to find a dish where you can’t use quinoa.