Quinoa

Recently we purchased Trader Joe's organic Quinoa.It is Simple to cook, like rice. Cooked quinoa looks a bit like couscous, but is more substantial and slightly crunchy.The quinoa harvest starts in late March. 

              Quinoa,pronounced keen-wah,was a staple of the ancient Incas,who called it "the mother grain".It remains an important staple in South American cuisine,as it contains more protein than most other grains.Its delicate flavor makes it a great alternative to rice or couscous as a side dish,and can also be added to vegetables and meat as a main dish.It cooks to a light fluffy texture,with a bit of crunch from the grain's external germ,making this a wonderfully unique grain.Truly versatile,it can be used in soups,salads,breads,puddings or as a breakfast cereal.
Quinoa is very easy to cook. It’s important to rinse the seeds well, because they are naturally coated with a bitter substance that protects them against birds and other predators. Most packaged quinoa has already been cleaned, but it doesn’t hurt to soak and rinse it just in case.
I made pulao with Quinoa. You can also try ..Here is the recipe Quinoa pulao 
 

Health Benefits

• Quinoa is a more nutritious option for gluten free diets.It is actually a popular choice for health buffs, those who want to lose weight .
• Quinoa is useful for reducing the risk for diabetes.
• Quinoa helps you feel fuller longer.
• It contains all the nine necessary amino acid supplements. Included here is lysine which is necessary for the tissues of your muscles to grow and repair themselves
• It essentially helps your body fight and get rid of free radicals that are considered to be harmful.
• preventing risky diseases like hypertension.
• It is an excellent alternative to wheat and bread for those suffering from celiac disease.
• It is very much effective in the prevention of gall stones.
• It is low in bad cholesterol and calories .