Quinoa. The most famous and well-known gluten-free “pseudo-grains” there is; and for good reason! It’s so versatile and such a great addition to any diet with all its wonderful qualities and health benefits. Gluten-free or not, I hope you learn to love quinoa as much as I do (if you don’t already)!
You didn’t think I would only talk about my love for buckwheat, did you? Of course not! I have to talk about quinoa too! There are so many reasons I love quinoa, but just like buckwheat, there is one aspect (or form) of it that stands out the most. I’ll get to that later, but for now, the facts about this gluten-free seed! I guess that’s where I should start; quinoa is not a grain, but a seed. The seeds come from the quinoa plant similar to the goosefoot plant (thus not a grass, not a cereal grain), and can be considered a pseudo-grain just like buckwheat. Quinoa comes from the same family as spinach, Swiss chard, and beets! The leaves of the plant quinoa comes from are said to taste similar to these veggies.
After the seeds are harvested, they are either packaged for sale in whole seed form, sprouted then ground into a flour, puffed, or milled in to quinoa flakes. The seed has a bitter outer coating and it’s recommended that you rinse the seed in whole form before cooking, but there is still debate on whether that’s necessary or not. Quinoa is considered to be a complete protein and has one of the highest protein contents of all the plant-based sources, but not as much as beans, legumes, or buckwheat. Quinoa is extremely nutrient rich, overshadowing other whole grains. Besides its great protein content and amonio acid profile, it also has a considerable amount of healthy fats including monounsaturated fats and some Omega 3s which give it great heart health benefits. It’s also a great source of anti-inflammatory phytonutrients, B vitamins, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, zinc, vitamin E, and fiber.
There’s no reason not to love quinoa and include it in your diet in some form! In its whole form, it is simply boiled in a pot just like any other grain. You can eat it as you would rice, whole grains, or even pasta (you can also get quinoa pasta of course!), as a porridge, in salads, soups, hot or cold. There are different colors too! The typical gold/white, red, even black. You can sprout quinoa easily since it’s a seed or you can even soak overnight and make some quinoa milk!
In flour form, it is a great addition to add to baked goods, increasing the nutrition of anything you make. The flour does have a stronger, more distinct taste and should be used in combination with other flours. I don’t use it often, mostly for the fact that it’s rather expensive in the stores, but still, a great option to play with!
Now for my favorite form…quinoa flakes! Some of the first recipes I ever posted on Strength and Sunshine were my quinoa flake breakfasts (scary horrible phone snapped photos) but quality recipes non-the-less. I can tell you, I have always loved quinoa flakes and I am never without! What are quinoa flakes? Simply quinoa, milled in such a way similar to instant oats. They are dried and flattened, thus allowing them to cook in about 90 seconds flat. Basically, the new “oatmeal of the future” and to me, the best hot cereal there is! My go-to brand (one of the only brands to make quinoa flakes) is the wonderful king of quinoa products, Ancient Harvest! Certified gluten-free, kosher, vegan, non-gmo, organic. I love them, enough said!
Besides the recipes I sometimes whip up to be fancy (which I’ll link at the end of this post), my go-to way for a hot bowl of flakes it to just add some cocoa powder, cinnamon and top with either protein frosting or nut butter. But recently I have been mixing half oatmeal half quinoa flakes in my morning bowl and then topping with chocolate tahini! Obsessed! Another way I love to use quinoa flakes is in granola! The perfect non-oat addition and gives the granola a light quinoa taste! So if you haven’t tried quinoa flakes yet, get on that…STAT!
One more “quinoa” mention, Kañiwa! Basically it is just the super small relative to the quinoa. It’s grown the same and harvested the same, but not the same plant. The difference between the two is that Kañiwa doesn’t have the outer-coating on the seed like quinoa does (so no rinsing or bitter taste). It also only comes in this reddish/dark brown color. If you though quinoa was a superfood, well Kañiwa is the ultimate superfood!
Now for a quick round-up of the quinoa recipes on the blog (so far) to get you quinoa-lovin’!
Festive Spiced Pecan Quinoa Granola (whole quinoa/quinoa flakes)
Vanilla Pear Quinoa Granola (whole quinoa/quinoa flakes)
Soft Spiced Cocoa Pumpkin Cookies (quinoa flakes)
Almond Joy Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Aloha! Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Apple Spice Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Carrot Cake Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Cocoa Banana Cinnamon Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Cocoa Mocha Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Coconut Peanut Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Coconut Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Gingerbread Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Hot Chocolate Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Key Lime Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Lemon Poppy Seed Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Peppermint Chocolate Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Pumpkin Pie Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Savory Zucchini Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Vanilla Cinnamon Coffee Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Zucchini Bread Quinoa Flakes (quinoa flakes)
Lentil Quinoa Meatball Bolognese and Zucchini Noodles (whole quinoa)
Macrobiotic Sushi Bowl (whole quinoa)
Cheezy Roasted Vegetable Quinoa (whole quinoa)
Sesame Broccoli Quinoa (whole quinoa)
Raw Coffee Quinoa Protein Bars (quinoa flakes)
Garden Veggie Burgers (quinoa flakes)
So tell me:
+ What’s your favorite way to eat/use quinoa?
+ Have you ever had quinoa flakes? If not, buy some, make some, and tag me on instagram so I can see!
Sources:
+ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
+ http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
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kimmythevegan says
I LOVE quinoa! It’s my second favourite gf grain (I really love my rice ;p). Great info on the pseudo-grain, so much I didn’t know about it.
I buy the same quinoa flakes as you. My hubby especially loves them if I don’t have time to make him breakfast because it is the quickest breakfast ever.
“But recently I have been mixing half oatmeal half quinoa flakes in my morning bowl and then topping with chocolate tahini!”
UM I have to try this! Sounds amazing!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Try it! Greatest combo ever!
Megan @ C'mon Get Crafty says
I think quinoa is one of the best foods ever, so many wonderful uses! My husband didn’t care for the texture a few times, but I’ve snuck in some good ones.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You should get him some quinoa flakes!
HonestMum says
We love quinoa here too. had it tonight with a prawn curry x
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Awesome, awesome!
Creatively Homespun says
You’re rockin’ it this week!!!! I looove Quinoa!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
Deborah Davis says
I love eat quinoa! Thanks for sharing this super helpful post “Quinoa: The Most Versatile Gluten-Free Seed” with us on the Healthy Happy Green and Natural Party Blog Hop. I’m pinning and sharing.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thanks!
A Moment with Franca says
Wow I’m so pleased to read your post and all the comments about people loving quinoa! I’m Peruvian so this is a seed that I have known my whole life and it is the most amazing super food that you could ever have! Something that you would like to know is that quinoa helps to increase your milk supply when breastfeeding. I prepare it as a drink and take it before or during breastfeeding. It is amazing plus you are passing to your baby all the incredible properties that the quinoa has. I’ve done a post about it with the recipe if you would to have a look. It is actually a very nice drink which I love to have every day! xx #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Don’t really need that info myself, but I did read that when I was researching!
Talent Hounds says
I’ve never tried quinoa before, will have to give it a try!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’m sure you’ve had it!
Milly says
I too love quinoa to bits! We use it often simply as a replacement to any other grains like rice and in dishes like curry, sushi or do quinoa veggies patties!
Will check the shelves for kaniwa now too!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa is great to include in the food routine!
Celeste says
LOVE quinoa! I use coconut milk as a replacement for 1/3 of the water called for and sprinkle over salads. Yum!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! It’s so good cooking with some creamy coconut milk!
Nikki Frank-Hamilton says
I am gluten free and love quinoa, but I’ve never heard of quinoa flakes, I am pinning this so I can try some of your recipes, especially the coffee bars and the granola, thanks for sharing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Then you must get some quinoa flakes!!! You need them 😉
Thanks dear!
Elise @frugalfarmwife.com says
We LOVE quinoa! Quinoa pasta is my favorite. I just wish it wasn’t so expensive!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
At least the whole form isn’t expensive though!
Julie @ Logger's Wife says
My husband has recently informed me that he is really sick of rice. He takes leftovers in his lunch and as he works on the side of the road, the only way to heat up is on the truck’s defroster. Which means in the summer, he eats his lunch cold. Apparently, rice is pretty gross cold the next day. So we have started eating quinoa instead. Not as cheap but it is so much better tasting and so much better for us. Our favorite way right now is just cooked in chicken broth but I’m going to try some of the recipes you linked. (visiting from Friday Favorites)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yea, quinoa is delish cold or hot! So happy you’re using it!
O, try cooking it in coconut milk too! It’s amazing!!!
Helen | Wonderfully Average says
Love this! I’ve only ever used quinoa as a rice substitute, which is great as it provides protein in my vegetarian diet, but I have clearly been missing out! Have bookmarked this page and will be coming back to make some of these recipes, especially once I’ve bought some quinoa flakes (which I’d never heard of until today!). #brilliantblogposts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You are going to LOVE quinoa flakes! They really are the best!
Wheelie Good Meals says
Really informative post, I’ve never tried Quinoa but I might now lol #BrilliantBlogPosts
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
What!? I’m sure you have in something, even if you didn’t realize!
Linda @ Veganosity says
I love quinoa breakfast bowls. I just make a big batch of quinoa and then keep it in the fridge so I can eat it anytime.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It really is a great make ahead grain! You could use it at every meal!
Jody @easypeasymom says
I love quinoa! I use it in so many things, it’s hard to pick a favorite! I put it in salads and with tons of veggies for a yummy, protein filled meal. So many great uses!
Thanks for sharing at the #HealthyLivingLinkParty
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Right! Countless ways to use it!
Lucie says
Thanks for all the awesome info! I love quinoa but I have yet to try the flakes. I better wait for a sale to come up though, they are awfully pricey over here.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
And right when they do go on sale, grab them!!!
Lucie says
Definitely! I’m going for a triple batch! 🙂
Jebbica says
PS stopping by from Miz Helen’s party!
Jebbica says
What?? Quinoa Flakes?? That’s a real thing!? Awesome! I’ll have to check those out! I love quinoa and quinoa pasta! I just recently was put on a gluten-free diet by my doctor and quinoa has been a tremendous blessing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa can replace just about anything 😉 Now get yourself some flakes!!!
Jebbica says
Will do! Where did you buy yours?
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
My grocery store, haha! Most have them! Otherwise, just order it from Vitacost or iHerb or the link I posted to amazon!
Tami says
We’ve been cooking with quinoa more often in our home. Even my 20-yr old son is planning to take quinoa recipes with him to college! Our favorite is a quinoa enchilada recipe – amazing!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa is a great make-ahead big batch grain to have on hand! Freezes well too!
Julie says
I’ve never tried any of this but just last night I saw an advert on TV for a rice and quinoa mix. Then today I see your post all about it. I am tempted to give it a try, I’ll add it to next weeks shopping list then pop back to find out what to do with it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
A sign! You must get quinoa in your diet!
Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says
Holy guacamole (or holy quinoa-amole), it’s related to beets and swiss chard!? 😮 That’s awesome! I wonder why we don’t harvest the seeds from those plants? Or why we don’t eat quinoa leaves…weird :/ Anyways, I did finally buy those quinoa flakes and I have so many recipe ideas coming up with them! P.S. I think I have that little red bowl too hehe 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
OMG! Quinoa flake goodness…I can only imagine the goodies you will create!
Hehe, I got that bowl for $1 at Wal-Mart 😉 I have it in every color!
Harriet Emily says
Wow Rebecca! Thank you so much for sharing all of this Quinoa information – I’ve learnt so much! I had no idea it was related to spinach, swiss chard or beets!? That’s amazing! I love how versatile it is, it can be transformed and used in so many things. I think I like it puffed the best – though I find it can be a bit soft when I buy it, so I quickly toast some in the oven for 10 seconds to crisp up, and then add them to sweet treats! (they’re a great addition to homemade chocolate of course!!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Maybe I love it so much because it’s related to beets 😉
And granola! Any puffed grain is just MADE for a granola recipe!
Kristy @ Southern In Law says
I loveeeeeee me some quinoa – and now I’m off to check out those recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa for life 😉
Sue says
I’ve heard of quinoa however not flakes or oats. Thanks for the informative post!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There is no such thing as quinoa oats, haha! Just flakes!
Michelle@healthiersteps says
I’m a huge fan of quinoa, I recently bought kaniwa and can’t wait to try it. Thanks for this very informative post.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Oooo! I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Evolve with Mary says
I read your blog everyday because I always learn something new, today’s post is rich with content, I had no idea Quiona is a seed not a grain and its related to spinach, swiss card and beets, that’s crazy!!! I’ve never heard of a goosefoot plant, I learned a lot today!!! 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Thank you so much Mary!!! XOXOXO
Haha, I hadn’t heard of goosefoot either 😉
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
I don’t know what I would do without quinoa!! Love love love this little seed. We still wash our quinoa, I find that the taste is much better when we do that, and it only takes a minute! Thanks for highlighting all the great products here, love me some quinoa!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I always rinse too! Actually, I rinse all my “grains” and beans and whatnot before cooking!
Casey @ Casey the College Celiac says
I love adding either raw or puffed quinoa to homemade granola! Crunch! 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
It’s a must!!!
Emily @ My Healthyish Life says
I’ve been loving having quinoa in my everything-but-the-kitchen-sink salads. Quinoa made with coconut milk is one of my favorite side-dishes.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Any grain is always better cooking in the lovely creamy coconut milk!
Gingi says
Oh man, I feel lame admitting this, but I have NEVER tried quinoa.. but I have been dying to! Your post makes me want to give it a try! <3
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
What!? I don’t believe you!
beth willis miller says
Rebecca, thank you for this very informative post about Quinoa! I know many people who are on gluten-free diets, how great to know what versatile alternatives there are. Many blessings to you!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes! Thank you!
lauren says
OMG love love love quinoa! I always get Wawa’s Kale and Quinoa Salad – it has dried raisins, apples, feta cheese and a champagne vinaigrette – sooooo good!
xx Lauren
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Hahaha, always a winner 😉
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
I have never heard about quinoa flakes before, but now I must find them to try immediately! YUM! I love quinoa in just about everything. Can’t wait to check out your quinoa flake recipes!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa flakes will always be one of my favorite foods! Seriously so good; a must try!!!
Carly @ FitLiving blog says
Thanks, Rebecca!
LizZ DH says
I have been wanting to try Quinua for so long. So reading you post on it was a definite help! Thank you 😀
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Do not wait any longer!!
Farrah says
Yayyy for quinoa! :D!! I’ve still never had a chance to try quinoa flakes, but one o’ these days, when I’ve finished off the stuffs in my food stores!! *-* Kaniwa sounds rather intriguing–I’ll have to be on the lookout for that too! I haven’t come across it yet!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
You must try both 😉 In due time!
Heather@hungryforbalance says
My love of quinoa runs deep! I have never tried quinoa flakes before, though. That needs to change ASAP!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Yes it does!! Your love will grow ten-fold!
Laura says
My favourite things lately is quinoa flour! Such a great alternative for making baked goods gluten free and I have had consistently good results in using it!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I need to pick some more up…when I find a sale 😉
Sheryl says
I LOVE QUINOA! We eat it at least once a week. It is so versatile and DELICIOUS! Thanks for all the great recipe ideas!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Totally one of those staple foods to have!
genevieve @ gratitude & greens says
I’ve had quinoa flakes but I think I still prefer actual quinoa porridge! I love quinoa in all forms (it’s hard not to, you know 😛 ) but usually I’m using it in savoury dishes. It’s just so easy to make, not to mention delicious and nutritious! (I did not mean for that to rhyme, but hey, it works!)
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Haha, that’s funny because I’m usually using it in sweet dishes 😛
It is easy to make, except people don’t know how to do it properly! They never cook it enough! It kills me seeing food bloggers recipe photos and you can see clearly that the quinoa is not cooked through! There is still the white “dot” in the middle! Haha!
Liz says
I <3 quinoa!! It is one of my favorite things to cook with!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
There are just so many things you can make with it!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I LOVE quinoa, and I am seriously so sad to be without it during the Whole 30 🙁 Also, I had no idea that quinoa flakes were a thing. Those sound super cool as a breakfast idea!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Quinoa flakes will CHANGE you life….forever…really 😉
AmyC says
I love to mix in some yogurt, parmesan cheese and tuna with my quinoa!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
I’ll give you the tuna, but that’s it 😉
Michele @ paleorunningmomma says
I just had a quinoa salad this past weekend that changed my take on it – it was delicious and no negative reactions at all 🙂
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Woohoo!!!! Keep it coming then!