The Year of the Snake Is Also the Year of the Quinoa Seed

The following article was written by Melinda McKee.

If any food deserves the title of "superfood," it's quinoa. Not only is quinoa high in protein, calcium, iron, and fiber, it's also gluten-free! Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah, is versatile and easy to make, and it contains omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy heart. In fact, quinoa is so healthy that demand for the nutrient-dense seed has recently skyrocketed. If you are a quinoa fan or are just looking to add this superfood to your diet, here are some of our favorite recipes!

Colorful Veggie and Quinoa Salad

Proving the versatility of quinoa, this recipe is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the taste buds.

Cajun Quinoa Cakes With Lemon-Dill-Sriracha Remoulade

If you're in the mood for something savory and spicy, try this delectable dish, which can be fried or baked.

Lentil-Quinoa Salad

Get a hearty serving of fiber and protein with this dish. Be sure to make plenty for leftovers!

Quinoa-Stuffed Peppers

This vegan twist on the Mediterranean classic will surely have you asking for seconds and thirds.

Confetti Quinoa

Here's another colorful, satisfying entrée that's chock full of nutrients.

Middle Eastern Quinoa

When you're in the mood for something a little different, these flavors will be sure to satisfy.

Almost all quinoa consumed in the U.S. is imported from South America, and the recent surge in demand has pushed prices up and brought prosperity to many farmers in Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Chile. However, communities in those areas that once relied on quinoa as a staple in their diets are finding that they can no longer afford it, and some people have called into question the ethics of eating quinoa when it could harm those in impoverished areas. But plant breeders and scientists in the U.S. say that quinoa crops, while challenging to grow, could flourish in many areas of North America, and many predict that the seed will soon gain popularity among American farmers seeking to cash in on the lucrative industry.

One thing's for certain: 2013 certainly seems to be the Year of the Quinoa Seed.

These are just a few options for this versatile superfood. Do you have a favorite quinoa recipe that you'd like to share?

Recent Comments

AutumnSylver commented:

Feb 5, 2013 9:59 PM

The skyrocketing demand for quinoa has also made the price go up so much that in the countries it comes from, (where it is a staple food) the people there can no longer afford to buy it. I find it a bit odd that you're still promoting quinoa, when the huge demand for it from North America means that people are starving and in poverty in the countries that grow it.
Raja commented:

Feb 5, 2013 5:12 AM

Year of the Snake refers to the Chinese New Year for 2013.
Louann Chapman commented:

Jan 31, 2013 3:05 PM

I agree with Tere! I asked the huge organic company "Seeds of Change" that exact question. I am hearing the Bolivian farmers are being ripped off leaving them still in poverty at the expense of big U.S. companies who don't practice Fair Share (as Seeds of Change seems to be one of them). The claim to be "working on it" but not fast enough as far as I'm concerned. If it doesn't say Fair Share like the coffee brands, then I won't buy it!
chander kumar soni commented:

Jan 31, 2013 8:52 AM

year of snake.??
Tere commented:

Jan 31, 2013 4:15 AM

Why are we encouraging the purchase of this via sharing recipes when the articles is reporting on the devastation to the local communities that it's coming frmo? Isn't this a bit odd?

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