If we were to sell only one plant, quinoa would be it. Quinoa is the only perfect or complete protein available from a plant and more protein pound for pound than beef, 18 percent. Quinoa seeds contain essential amino acids like lysine. A member of the goosefoot genus (Chenopodium), is a grain crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudo-cereal rather than a true cereal, as it is not a member of the true grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach and chard.
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 and non-domesticated with pastoral herding use 5,200 to 7,000 years ago. Incas referred to quinoa as Mother of All Grains. Delicious quinoa recipes.
