Quinoa Black

Black quinoa stands out with its rich black color, and it tends to retain more of its crunch after cooking compared to the white variety. Originating from the Andean region, like other quinoa varieties, it has been consumed for thousands of years as a staple food source. Black quinoa offers a blend of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, making it a preferred choice for health enthusiasts and those looking for colorful and nutritious meals.

Nutritional Information (per 100g cooked):

• Calories: ~123 kcal
• Protein: ~4.1g
• Carbohydrates: ~21.5g
  • Sugars: ~0.7g
• Fat: ~2.0g
• Dietary Fiber: ~2.8g
• Sodium: ~5mg

Ingredients:

• 100% whole grain black quinoa seeds

How to Use:

• Rinsing: Essential to rinse thoroughly under cold water before cooking to remove the natural bitter coating, saponin.
• Boiling: Use a ratio of 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups liquid, and simmer until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is tender.
• Applications: Great for salads, bowls, and side dishes, adding both color and nutrition.

Recipe Idea – Black Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Salad: Ingredients:

• 1 cup black quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 zucchini, cubed
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Rinse quinoa well under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer.
3. On a baking sheet, toss zucchini, bell pepper, and red onion with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
4. While vegetables are roasting, bring water to a boil in a saucepan, add quinoa, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until all water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes, then fluff with a fork.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. In a large bowl, mix roasted vegetables and quinoa. Pour the vinaigrette over and toss to combine.
7. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Diets it fits into:

• Vegetarian
• Vegan
• Gluten-Free
• Whole Foods Plant-Based
• Paleo (some strict paleo followers might exclude it)

Note: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Ensure there’s no cross-contamination by checking labels and ensuring it’s processed in a gluten-free facility if there’s extreme sensitivity.