What is Quinoa?

Quinoa [keen-wah] is a popular grain staple indigenous to the Andean region in South America. It has become increasingly popular in many households worldwide, especially in North America. With a cultivation history of 5,000 years old, it is no surprise quinoa continues to be a popular cuisine staple. Quinoa comes in a various colours like yellow, white, red, and black, which differs in taste, chewiness, and cooking time.

Quinoa is a versatile super grain and can be served as a side dish or main dish. Research has studied beneficial outcomes between quinoa and human metabolism, cardiovascular and gastrointestinal health.

This favourite staple, quinoa, is also rich in protein, making it an ideal breakfast cereal, lunch replacement, or even dinner! Quinoa makes a great meal option as it is easy to prepare this as long as you have access to hot boiling water.

Benefits of Quinoa 

1. Quinoa has High Nutrition Value

The super grain quinoa has many health benefits and nutrition. Here are some nutrition facts for two servings or 56g of cooked Instant Quinoa:

• Calories: 240

• Protein: 10 grams

• Fat: 3.55 grams

• Carbohydrates: 46 grams

• Fibre: 7 grams

• Sugar: 2 grams

• Potassium: 11% of the daily value (DV)

• Calcium: 2% of the daily value (DV)

• Iron: 14% of the daily value (DV)

2. Quinoa as a Source of Natural Vitamins and Minerals

Apart from being rich in protein and fibre, quinoa also contains folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. These natural vitamins and minerals can help replenish your body with their natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. 

You would be surprised to learn that one cup of cooked quinoa has higher fibre content than one cup of common grains, like brown rice and barley.

3. Quinoa as a Gluten-Free Alternative

Did you know that quinoa is a seed classified nutritionally as whole grain? 

Individuals, who are gluten intolerant or follow a gluten-free diet, can have quinoa as part of their staple diet since quinoa is naturally gluten-free. However, it is a good practice to read the nutrition labels and allergy warnings to make sure the quinoa product is 100% gluten-free.

4. Quinoa as a Plant-Based Protein

The quinoa seed contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. Best of all, it is a plant-based protein alternative and can be easily stored with its long shelf life!

Why Did We Make Instant Quinoa? 

We actually invented our Instant Quinoa completely by accident when we were experimenting with our cooking. After refining our recipe and techniques, we made an Instant Quinoa that can retain its natural high fibre, iron, and potassium content, with no additional ingredients and chemical preservatives added!

Sometimes an Instant Pot or a rice cooker is not an option when you're travelling or going outdoors. Instant quinoa can be your easy and instant solution to replenish and fuel your high-level activities, from climbing, cycling, mountaineering, hiking, camping and more. Our Instant Quinoa can also be a great alternative when you are thinking of saving time to cook on a long and busy day!

We use the tri-colour organic quinoa from Bolivia. Our cooks prepare and cook the quinoa before it gets dehydrated for packaging. We use the REVdry™ dehydration process, which uses radiant heat and low temperatures to preserve the nutrients and natural quinoa flavours. 

How to Prepare Instant Quinoa?

Firstly, you need to add equal parts of quinoa to equal parts of water, like 1 cup of quinoa for 1 cup of water. You can boil any hot water for one minute or add a cup of water to the microwave for two minutes, and you're halfway there!

Add the boiling hot water, stir well, and wait for 5 minutes. Voila, your quinoa is ready to be served.

Our Quinoa Recipes and Meals

Quinoa recipes are versatile and can be a great addition to your everyday meal.