Quinoa Day

Quinoa Day is January 16th

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-WAH) is a superfood that provides many health benefits and also tastes great. It's easy to prepare, cooks quickly and has a nice texture with a light taste. Celebrate Quinoa Day on January 16th by trying this awesome grain with some fun and healthy recipes. 

All About Quinoa

Quinoa is a pseudocereal that has been around for centuries. It was first domesticated in the Andes region of South America. The ancient Incas considered quinoa to be a sacred crop and used it as a religious offering. Quinoa is still a staple food in the Andes region today. Quinoa can grow in many climates making it easier for people all over the world to have access. Due to quinoa's small size it has a very low environmental impact to produce.

Quinoa has grown in our modern culture to be a go to food for those looking to eat healthier. Quinoa is gluten-free, wheat-free and non GMO. Quinoa is also extremely versatile in the kitchen, able to be eaten like rice or ground into flour for baking.

Quinoa is high in protein and contains all 9 essential amino acids that are crucial for our bodies to process. Quinoa is also high in fiber, magnesium, riboflavin, folate, iron among other nutrients.

1 cup of quinoa has 222 calories whereas 1 cup of white rice has 218 calories. Source: http://nutritiondata.self.com/

Ways to Celebrate Quinoa Day

• Find a new Quinoa Recipe and try it out. Check out http://www.quinoaplease.com/recipes/ for some ideas
• Share your quinoa creations on your social media and shout out "Happy Quinoa Day"
• Have a Quinoa night at home, similar to a taco night, except with bowls and various types of quinoa, mix-ins and toppings so each person can create their own special bowl. 

How Quinoa Day Unites People

Food holidays bring people together in celebration of their favorite foods and Quinoa day is no different. It's a day for those who love quinoa to come together and share recipes and create experiences for others to try quinoa and share the love.