If you’re searching for a flexible food that can be used in tons of vegan recipes, quinoa could be precisely what you need. It’s incredibly healthy for you and can work as the backbone in tons of dishes, including salads, bowls, as a grain substitute, and even as a veggie stuffing.
But just where does quinoa come from? You don’t see it growing everywhere, and yet, it’s in every grocery store.
We’ll trace back quinoa’s roots for you here, and explain where it originally came from. We’ll also talk about what kind of food it is and how healthy it is for you in comparison with rice.
Where is Quinoa From?
Although quinoa is in pretty much any grocery store nowadays, it hasn’t traditionally been grown all over the world.
Quinoa could originally be found in South America. Specifically, it was grown in Peru.
Are you struggling to find quinoa in your local grocery store? Try checking these aisles.
Is Quinoa A Grain or a Seed?
So what exactly is quinoa? Most people call it a grain and use it as a grain substitute in recipes, but does that mean it is actually a grain?
Not really. Although most people know it as a grain, quinoa is actually a type of seed. Quinoa comes from the seeds of a plant known as Chenopodium quinoa, which is native to regions in South America.
Is Quinoa Better for You Than Rice?
Since quinoa is often used as a grain substitute, it gets compared to rice frequently. That’s why we thought we’d stop and discuss which one is actually better for you: quinoa or rice.
There are health benefits to both of them. Quinoa has a lot of fiber, protein, and minerals while also being completely gluten-free.
Rice, on the other hand, is also a good source of minerals and it’s easy on your stomach. Additionally, like quinoa, it’s gluten-free.
This means that, in a few ways, they are actually pretty comparable. Both can be included in part of a healthy diet.
Wrap Up
If you haven’t had the chance to try quinoa yet, we strongly recommend it. It has a nutty taste and fluffy texture that makes it ideal for a large amount of dishes.
It’s easy to get creative when it comes to quinoa. Want to learn more about what it tastes like so you can use it soon? We’ve written more about its taste here.
Hey, I’m Joey. I’ve been cooking since I was a little kid and love everything about it. You can find my writing about food, kitchen appliances (such as blenders) and much more. Thanks for stopping by!
