Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Quinoa; The Paradox of the Luxury Superfood

Quinoa is another super food that is really in vogue again and for good reason; it’s a once forgotten grain that is a perfect substitute for so many foods with less or little nutritional value. It is extremely high in protein, fibre, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and calcium. The cultivation of quinoa dates back 3000 years ago, serving as a staple during pre-Colombian Andean civilization. The grain fetches 10 times the dollar amount of wheat, as a minimum and so has been labelled a ‘luxury vegetable’ by some trade economists.
Quinoa can be very particular about its requirement’s for growth and where it does, it serves as food to the local population. With prices inflating, locals in subsistence farming areas are unable to touch their own produce, causing debate about whether or not quinoa is really worth its weight in gold. Instead of using this nutritious super food to feed the first world at a huge price, it could be better used to feed third world nations. What we can do to ensure our global neighbors do not go hungry is to only buy quinoa that has been Fair Trade approved. So that’s what I did, I made a beautiful quinoa salad combining my beloved haloumi cheese and a lemon/olive oil dressing. 

Ingredients
Serves two
½ cup quinoa
1 cup spinach
50g  haloumi cheese
¼ small cucumber
¼ small red onion
½ cup of walnuts and pine nuts
½ lemon
¼ cup olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
Cook your quinoa as directed on packaging. Usually this is one part quinoa to three parts water. Thinly slice your cucumber and red onion and set aside. Slice haloumi as desired and pan fry on both sides for three minutes total on high heat. Combine olive oil with juiced lemon and salt and pepper to taste.


As the quinoa is finished, set aside to allow for cooling. In a high heat pan, toast the mixed nuts to release the warm woodiness. Combine and toss all ingredients in a bowl and cover with dressing. The salad can be served warm or cold, depending on the occasion and what you like. 

15 comments:

  1. Fantastic blog you have here but I was curious if you knew of any user discussion forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I'd really like to be a part of online community where I can get responses from other knowledgeable people that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!


    http://www.snyderslance.com/member/99885

    Here is my webpage ... natural green cleanse

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you! I'm not sure of any particular communities, I often research a topic before I write about them, looking over many online communities. Start connecting with other bloggers for inspiration and to share and exchange thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Excellent post. I was checking constantly this blog and I'm impressed! Very useful info specially the last part :) I care for such information much. I was seeking this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.

    Here is my blog post ... weight Loss Supplements - http://puregreencoffeeblog.com -

    ReplyDelete
  4. We stumbled over here different web page and thought I may as well check things out.
    I like what I see so now i'm following you. Look forward to finding out about your web page yet again.



    http://www.gonzatto.com/hiperwiki/index.php?title=Usu%C3%A1rio:BrandiZVTpat

    Feel free to visit my weblog - Rvtl Anti aging Formula

    ReplyDelete
  5. Everything posted made a lot of sense. However, consider this, what if
    you were to create a awesome headline? I ain't saying your content is not good, but
    what if you added a headline that makes people desire more?
    I mean "Quinoa; The Paradox of the Luxury Superfood" is a little
    vanilla. You might glance at Yahoo's home page
    and note how they create post headlines to get viewers to click.

    You might try adding a video or a related picture or two to
    get people interested about what you've written. In my opinion, it might make your blog a little livelier.



    http://9c3eb.readthis.ca

    Also visit my web blog: Dermallo review

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello I am so delighted I found your website, I really found you by error, while
    I was researching on Askjeeve for something else, Anyhow I
    am here now and would just like to say thanks for a
    marvelous post and a all round entertaining
    blog (I also love the theme/design), I don't have time to browse it
    all at the moment but I have bookmarked it and also added your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
    be back to read a lot more, Please do keep up the awesome work.




    http://dailywomenshopping.com/city-face/

    Have a look at my blog post; Wrinkle cream

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much for your kind words! It's so great to hear that my work is being enjoyed!

      Delete
  7. What's up i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this piece
    of writing i thought i could also create comment due to this good paragraph.



    http://www.biodiesel.com/index.php/member/92756/

    Feel free to visit my blog ... Rvtl Anti Aging Solution

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'll immediately seize your rss as I can't in finding your
    email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service.
    Do you have any? Kindly let me know in order that I may just subscribe.
    Thanks.

    http://www.gj0444.kr/new2008/xe/?document_srl=176527

    Review my weblog - Dermallo review

    ReplyDelete
  9. There's definately a lot to know about this subject. I like all of the points you made.




    http://beautygypsy.com/beautygypsys-skin-care-routine

    my blog post - Dermal meds facts

    ReplyDelete
  10. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey there! I simply want to give you a huge thumbs up for your great information you have got right here on this
    post. I'll be returning to your site for more soon.

    My page; strony internetowe wrocław

    ReplyDelete
  12. Well, for example: waiting for your racing rivals cheats eyes.
    One can download latest free mobile games at anytime.

    ReplyDelete