“The journey not the arrival matters.” T.S. Eliot
Whether you are staying close to home or venturing out and about, there is always an opportunity to see and explore new things. Exploring does not have to entail a large and grand trip to foreign lands, exploring can happen in your own backyard, town, or even your kitchen, where you can explore new foods and ingredients, such as the food we are looking at today; quinoa!
Explore New Foods
This week, we are journeying into the realm of new foods. Learning, eating and exploring go hand in hand. Let’s start with a food that has become popular in recent years but holds a sense of mystery to some; quinoa. Want to order food that includes quinoa? Try our Quinoa Jack Asada Tacos!
What is Quinoa?
At Melita’s Table we use quinoa in many of our dishes. Quinoa (keen-wah) is a grain crop that is harvested for its edible seeds. The seeds pack a powerful punch of protein, vitamins and minerals.
This edible seed comes from Peru, Bolivia and Chile, and when cooked, is light and fluffy with a slightly nutty taste. This gluten-free food is most often found in white or red, but comes in a variety of colors in other parts of the world.
Health Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is referred to as a “superfood” for many reasons, it is naturally gluten-free, packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants. For those on a gluten-free diet, it offers a more nutrient dense option than the typical gluten-free choices such as corn, rice and potatoes. One cup cooked contains the following health benefits:
- Protein: 8 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Manganese: 58% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA)
- Magnesium: 30% of the RDA
- Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA
- Folate: 19% of the RDA
- Copper: 18% of the RDA
- Iron: 15% of the RDA
- Zinc: 13% of the RDA
- Potassium 9% of the RDA
- Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6
- Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E
Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-quinoa
This is a quick video from a nutrition expert about other benefits prevalent in quinoa and how it can lower your triglycerides.
How to Cook
Quinoa is super easy to cook and takes much less time than rice!
Mexican Inspired Meals
If you’re not ready to cook your own quinoa, you can first try it (you’re still exploring!) in a variety of dishes from Melita’s Table.
Add it to your “Build Your Own” Creation
Join us for the rest of June as we explore summer vacations at home, vegan picnic foods and easy summer snacks. Many of us may still be hanging around home and others, gradually exploring further from home base. However you are easing into summer, we are with you for the journey!
