quinoa
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
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From: Arcata Ca
Bikes: Seven Axiom steel, Salsa Vaya,Specialized Sectuer, Santa Cruz 5010
We've been using it for years. It's a "pseudo" grain that grows at high elevations and is very high in protein. Cooks like other grains with water and in only 20 minutes. It can have a bitter edge if not rinsed well. I like to mix it 1/2 with white basmanti rice which takes the same cooking time and water ratio of 2 water to 1 grain. You get the comfort and taste of a good white rice which is lower in nutritional value because of the processing and the health benefits of the quinoa.I'll often cook it with some kind of boullion paste for added flavor. Highly recommended!
#4
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Joined: May 2010
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: Colnago, Cervelo, Scott
I don't like the taste and texture very much but my wife makes it. Only times I approach liking it is when there's tons of salt in it. We've tried making it with chicken stock and with butter, but still not that great to me. I'm not a big brown rice fan either. I like white rice so I just don't eat a lot of it.
#5
Junior Member


Joined: Feb 2008
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From: california
It’s not as high in protein as beans and legumes but it’s a complete protein. It’s a good source for fiber, antioxidents and it’s high in iron. It’s a source for calcium so it’s very useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. I use it in a number of ways. It's also easy and quick to cook.
#6
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Central New Jersey
High in protein, low glycemic load, one of the oldest grains known to man. Not much of a taste but I use it regularly as a base for a cold salad, grated carrots, diced onions, raisins, peas, black beans, feta cheese, fresh lemon juice, with a vinaigrette, whatever vegetables you want to use. Great for long rides as it does not need to be refrigerated. I cook it in 2 1/2-3 times the water.
#7
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From: NZ
Bikes: More than 1, but, less than S-1
We use it a bit. Although, not much lately for some reason.
As stated by others. It makes a decent substitute for rice or base for cold salads.
As stated by others. It makes a decent substitute for rice or base for cold salads.
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#8
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Motor City
Bikes: 2012 Giant Escape, 199? Specialized HardRock
It’s not as high in protein as beans and legumes but it’s a complete protein. It’s a good source for fiber, antioxidents and it’s high in iron. It’s a source for calcium so it’s very useful for vegans and those who are lactose intolerant. I use it in a number of ways. It's also easy and quick to cook.
#10
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From: San Jose (Willow Glen) Ca
Bikes: Kirk Custom JK Special, 86 De Rosa Pro, '84 Team Miyata,(dura ace old school) 80?? SR Semi-Pro 600 Arabesque
I have tried to like it...but haven't so far. even with lot of rinsing there is a bitter after taste. next time I will try cooking with a strong broth and see.
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#11
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 191
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From: california
The saponin is quinoa’s natural protection against birds and insects so growers don't need to use insecticides.
I like to spice it up a bit, add about a tsp of tumeric to the water and 5-8 dashes of Franks red hot sauce ( I put that stuff on everthing!). I have replaced all the white foods that spike my bloodsugar and its been working great. White potatoes have been replaced with sweet patatoes, White rice with brown rice or quinoa, white bread with rye bread or tortillas.
Last edited by clemsongirl; 01-04-13 at 03:07 AM.
#14
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Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Bikes: KHS town bike, Motobecane road bike (in my grandparents attic), Fuji Newest 1.0 (never ride) and a touring bike to be built soon
I prepare it differently than most. I cook it up and add several different types of fruit and pour some honey over it for a nice breakfast. I find that a banana is almost required and typically mix in frozen blueberries and either a kiwi and/or pear/peach.
#15
If you guys/girls are finding it a little bitter ( I don't) there is a eat trick I learned recently. Toast it in a pan for a minute or two before cooking it. Also rinse it really well before anything. A lot of the bitter flavor is on the outside coating. Different brands clean them a different amount. I also cook with vegetable or chicken stock instead of water. Delicious. So much better than brown rice.
#16
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Joined: Oct 2004
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From: Huntington Beach, CA
Bikes: Cervelo Prodigy
The bitter taste is like herbal medicine. Other thing is that we're not used to bitter tastes. In other cultures, its acceptable. I say cultural condition is a big part of it.
#17
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
I've heard about the nutritional benefits for years, but I'm reading that our demand is causing shortages for the people in the areas where it is grown.
#18
self propelled lifer
Joined: Aug 2007
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From: Manitoba
Bikes: 1962 Dawes Galaxy; 72 Gitane Interclub;73 Peugeot PR10;78 Torpado Luxe;73 Grandis; 81 Raleigh/Carlton Comp; 85 Bianchi Stelvio; 87 Bianchi Brava; 73 Bottechia Special; 1969 or70 Bob Jackson
I recently went wheat free and as a cyclist was concerned where my replacement carbs would come from. Quinoa has become a staple, especially at breakfast. I make a hot cereal with precooked quinoa, ground flax, a little oatmeal, dried coconut and assorted fruit and seeds. It seems to satisfy my carb requirements without the spike and bonk in blood sugar.
It's also great in stirfries, soups etc.
I've been wondering how well producers will be able to keep up now that its getting so popular, I think it only grows in certain areas of S America.
It's also great in stirfries, soups etc.
I've been wondering how well producers will be able to keep up now that its getting so popular, I think it only grows in certain areas of S America.
#19
I am now eating more of this due to a wheat sensitivity I developed for some odd reason. I haven't tried this as a breakfast food I will try that out tomorrow.
BTW - rinse the heck out of it with hot water to get the coating that is bitter off of the quinoa before you cook it
BTW - rinse the heck out of it with hot water to get the coating that is bitter off of the quinoa before you cook it
#21
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From: Queens, Ny
Bikes: Klein Q-Pro Carbon Team, Bridgestone MB-3, Mercier Kilo TT, BB17 Karma
#22
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From: Arcata Ca
Bikes: Seven Axiom steel, Salsa Vaya,Specialized Sectuer, Santa Cruz 5010
#24
I just started sprouting quinoa and it enchances the nutrional benifits of the food because it's actually raw and living when you eat it. You get a little more of the benefits of the enzymes to help with digestion and the usual health benefits from raw foods and sprouts. Add some lemon juice, salt and spices and dig in. I usually mix these sprouts in with lentil sprouts and alfalfa sprouts. I sprout all my own organic sprouts right in my kitchen, it's VERY easy and extremely nutritional.
#25
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 191
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From: california
I just started sprouting quinoa and it enchances the nutrional benifits of the food because it's actually raw and living when you eat it. You get a little more of the benefits of the enzymes to help with digestion and the usual health benefits from raw foods and sprouts. Add some lemon juice, salt and spices and dig in. I usually mix these sprouts in with lentil sprouts and alfalfa sprouts. I sprout all my own organic sprouts right in my kitchen, it's VERY easy and extremely nutritional.
Quinoa and sunflower sprouts, finely grated carrots, avocado, a blended spread of almonds, cashews, celery hearts, shallots, garlic and lemon juice all rolled up in a nori sheet....ftw




