Lauren asks: I've heard quinoa is good for you. What is it and how do you cook it?
Wynnie says: Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is a hardy plant that originally comes from the Andes in South America.
Its seeds are high in protein, fibre and omega 3 fats. They also contain vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamins E, B1 and B2, and iron. Unlike other vegetable proteins that have to be eaten together with other proteins in order to provide all the essential amino acids our body can't make itself, the protein from quinoa has the ideal balance of amino acids needed by humans.
Quinoa is very versatile and can be used in salads or as a substitute for any grain in almost any recipe. Eat it hot as a breakfast cereal or use it in stir fries or curries. Like rice, wheat and maize, quinoa can be ground into flour to make biscuits, muffins, bread or pasta. Because it's gluten free, quinoa products are safe for people who are allergic to wheat, barley or rye products.
Quinoa contains a bitter coating of saponins on the surface, so it needs to be soaked and rinsed thoroughly before cooking.
Quinoa and chickpea burgers
1/4 cup quinoa, rinsed