Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a light, fluffy, edible seed that feels and tastes more like a grain. Our organic quinoa is pre-rinsed so it is ready for cooking! Thanks to its mild, somewhat nutty and irresistible flavor, organic quinoa is an immensely popular food. But this “mother grain” is also valued for its tremendous nutritional content.

How to Cook Quinoa

To cook quinoa, just combine one part of our quinoa with two parts water or broth, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff it with a fork, and it’s delicious and ready to serve as-is or with your choice of seasonings.

Quinoa Nutrition

This power-packed nutritional combo helped give quinoa the name “Gold of the Incas” when it was cultivated thousands of years ago in the Andes; Incan warriors highly valued the crop for the energy and stamina it gave them.

Among the wholesome attributes that make the organic quinoa grain special are:

1) Quinoa is considered a complete protein because it contains all 9 essential amino acids. A one-cup serving of cooked organic quinoa contains 12-18% Daily Value (DV) for protein, which is more than any grain. In particular, organic quinoa contains lysine, an amino acid that most grains lack. Lysine helps the body absorb calcium and reduces stress-induced anxiety.

2) According to the USDA, quinoa contains nearly twice as much dietary fiber as other grains. A serving of organic quinoa has about 20% DV for dietary fiber, which supports a healthy digestive system by speeding up the passage of food and waste. It also keeps you feeling full longer to prevent overeating and promote weight loss.

3) Organic quinoa is a good source of minerals like phosphorous, magnesium and iron. Phosphorous is important for bone formation, kidney health, and muscle strength. Magnesium controls blood glucose levels, aids the absorption of calcium, and regulates blood pressure. Iron helps deliver oxygen-rich blood cells throughout the body.

Our Quinoa Benefits Small Farmers

We’re proud to source our organic quinoa from a community of small Peruvian farmers, supporting the livelihood of their families and communities. Many of these farmers face unfair competition to export in a market that favors large-scale competitors. That’s why we work closely with an organization that benefits small farmers directly and gives them the opportunity to sell their quinoa.

Agricultural engineers from local areas help the farmers to ensure organic standards are met. The quinoa thrives thanks to the generational knowledge of the farmers, combined with environmentally-friendly growing methods. Organic farming practices are also more beneficial to the land, and enable the farmers to achieve a better yield than they would with other crops. The sale of quinoa improves their standard of living, which in turn benefits their neighboring communities.

Quinoa: Our Registered Dietitian’s Top Pick

Our Health Nut places organic quinoa at the top of her favorite “grains” list and likes to use it in stir-fries in place of rice. Quinoa earns its top spot because it has double the protein compared to other whole grains and is considered a complete protein source because it has all the essential amino acids.

Start with a Simple Quinoa Recipe

Cooking organic quinoa is extremely easy and fast (see above for cooking instructions). Cooked quinoa is similar in flavor, texture and consistency to both rice and couscous, but it is much more nutritious. Try substituting this superfood for rice or couscous in all sorts of recipes–stir fry, soup, casseroles and more– to reinvent it as a high-protein meal. This easy and nutritious quinoa tabbouleh salad recipe is a great place to start. You can also make quinoa flour by grinding the seeds.

Store organic quinoa in sealed plastic or glass containers in a cool, dark, dry cabinet. Quinoa will stay fresh for one year if properly stored.

Buy Quinoa for Special Diets

One of organic quinoa’s greatest benefits is that it is so well suited to a wide range of dietary restrictions. As a rare complete protein in the plant world, it can be the cornerstone of nutrition for vegans and vegetarians who can’t get protein from meat, fish, poultry or dairy.

Our bulk quinoa is naturally gluten-free, certified kosher and grown wild, free of all pesticides and chemicals. And when you buy quinoa from Nuts.com, it arrives at your door pre-rinsed and free of the natural saponin that can give the cooked seeds a bitter taste.

What the Experts Say about Quinoa

Dr. Weil says, “Quinoa’s protein is complete, containing all nine essential amino acids - a rarity in the plant kingdom… a must-add to your culinary repertoire.”

Dole Nutrition Institute says, “Quinoa incorporates quite a lot of nutrients into tiny seeds. It contains more protein than most grains and offers a more evenly balanced array of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Quinoa is also higher in phosphorus, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron than most grains.”

Chef Joe of PBS’s Taste This TV used our organic quinoa to make Quinoa with Goat Cheese and Dried Sausage, and he loved it!

“Nuts.com quinoa is another great product that is completely natural, gluten free, kosher, and grown wild. Unlike other products, Nuts.com quinoa is pre-rinsed and therefore do not have that bitter taste other quinoa products may have. Over the last few years, I have tried many other quinoa products and nothing can be compared to Nuts.com quinoa!”