Quinoa: A Flavorful Supergrain That's Coming To A Table Near You
During your experiences in online culinary school, you may have come across a funny-sounding supergrain called quinoa, which is rapidly gaining popularity as a delicious, nutritious alternative to rice. As you learn to cook online using this ingredient, there are a few things to keep in mind:
Quinoa needs to be washed before use
Quinoa grainy surfaces naturally contain saponin, a chemical that can cause a soapy, bitter taste. Although most store-bought quinoa will come pre-washed, there’s no harm in rinsing it again to remove any remaining residue. Try lining your sieve with paper towels or cheesecloth before rinsing so the quinoa doesn’t fall through the cracks. Let the water run for about a minute while moving the grains around with your fingers.
It comes in different colors
You may be alarmed if you head to the supermarket and come across different shades of quinoa, but there’s no need to worry, as this is completely normal. Although white quinoa is the most widely available, red and black varieties also exist. However, despite the color differences, each type of quinoa has the same nutritional value. Regardless of which you choose, your body will be able to absorb the protein, fiber, calcium, phosphorous and vitamins found in the grain.
