Sharanya Vairam

Chapter 1 Quinoa – The Golden Grain About Quinoa Figure 1.1 and 1.2 Quinoa also known as the ‘golden grain’ in Latin America was the staple diet of ancient civilizations of the Andes of South America. It continues to be an important food of the region. It is majorly produced in Peru and Bolivia. It is also referred to as ‘golden grain’ by researchers as well as indigenous people because of its high nutritional value. Quinoa is a plant species that belongs to the goosefoot variety. Its scientific name is Chenopodium quinoa. It is very similar to species such as beetroot and spinach. The seed of the quinoa plant, which looks like grain, is consumed just like a cereal and hence, it is called a pseudo-cereal. Quinoa seeds are bead shaped and tiny. These seeds have an outer layer covering called saponin which renders it a bitter taste. Most of the saponin is removed while processing quinoa for sale. Quinoa has a delicate nutty and earthy flavor, and has a unique texture which renders crunchiness to recipes that it is added to. Quinoa is a healthy and nutritious food which is packed with proteins, dietary fibers and minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorous and calcium. Being gluten-free, it is easy to digest. This is especially popular with vegans among others. It is consumed in different forms ranging from the traditional boiled form, bread and soups to innovative new forms like granola bars, breakfast cereal, pasta and an array of other items. Other Uses There are many other uses that quinoa can be put to apart from being used as food. The whole quinoa plant as fresh fodder and its harvest residue can be used as feed for cattle, sheep, horses, pigs and poultry. The indigenous people of the Andean region have used quinoa leaves, stem and grains for medicinal purposes. Some of these are healing wounds, reducing swelling, soothing toothache, disinfecting the urinary tract, bone setting and controlling internal bleeding. It is also used as an insect repellent. Due to its high protein content, quinoa seeds have the potential to be used in the nutraceutical industry in human as well as animal nutrition products. The saponins from bitter quinoa can be used in certain medications by the pharmaceutical industry. It also has potential to be used as an antibiotic and for fungi control. The saponins also have a differing toxicity with differing adverse effects on different organisms including human beings and large animals. This property makes it a strong natural insecticide and therefore, can be used in integrated pest management programs. In Bolivia, quinoa saponins have been successfully used as bio-insecticides. Due to its excellent stability in extreme conditions (climatic/environmental), quinoa starch provides a good substitute to chemically modified starches. This starch has potential to be used in the production of shampoo, aerosol, talcum powders, off set powders, plastics, desserts, etc. Origin Quinoa is known to have originated in the Andes region of South America, more particularly in the area around Lake Titicaca of Peru and Bolivia. It is believed to have been domesticated by the Andean people more than 3000 years ago. The archeological evidence of this has been founds in various tombs in Peru and Chile. Quinoa was the staple food of many pre-Columbian civilizations. It was replaced by other cereals only after the Spanish conquest and occupation of this region despite being technologically developed and widely distributed. Distinct Properties Quinoa has very distinct properties. It is highly adaptable to varying climatic conditions and can grow even in very difficult climatic conditions due to its tolerance to droughts and resistance to salinity. It grows in highlands as well as lowlands proving that it is climate smart. This crop, then, is not only adaptable but also versatile. Its production costs are very low. It efficiently uses water which makes it an excellent alternative in present scenario of climate change. It is therefore, environment friendly. NASA has identified this crop as an option for using in future long term space missions where food grains may have to be grown in the spacecraft. The Plant The quinoa plant grows up to a height of 1 to 3 meters depending on its sowing density. The seeds of these plants germinate very quickly, sometimes, even within hours of exposure to moisture. The roots of these plants grow vertically downwards and can reach depths of up to 30 centimeters. These roots are tough, resilient, deep, well branched out and fibrous, rendering the plants stability and also making them drought resistant. The stems are cylindrical and vary in thickness. The leaves look like webbed feet of geese and their color varies from green to red and has different tones. The leaves have the ability to capture night moisture due to their crystal covering of calcium oxalate. This helps prevent excessive transpiration and overheating. The flowers of these plants are very small and do not have petals while the fruits are round and a little wide around the center. These plants can be harvested after 160-180 days post-sowing.