Quinoa

A pseudo-grain with high potential for functional, low allergenicity protein
protein nutrition
allergenicity
flavor
functionality
cost
crop supply
●= excellent ●= good ●= fair ●= low ●= poor

Dry composition

sourcing

  • Grown in Andes, Kenya, India, USA
  • Hardy to altitude, salinity, drought, frost, nutrient-poor soils
  • Limited but expanding supply
  • No commercial protein extraction
  • High demand & price

nutrition

  • PDCAAS 0.79
  • Limiting AA: Phe & Tyr, high in Lys
  • High in manganese, magnesium, phosphorus & vitamins B1, B2, B6, B9
  • Allergenicity: Low, possible saponin sensitivity

properties

  • Foaming
  • Emulsification
  • Oil and water sorption
  • Bitter if saponins remain

applications

  • Consumed as a grain
  • Incorporated into products as a flour