What are canihua seeds. Canahua, canihua or cañihua: it is a plant of the Chenopodiaceae family that grows in some areas of Bolivia and Peru, even in high mountains and at low temperatures .
Sister of the quinoa, like this rich in precious substances, so much to be nicknamed "seed of health".
This plant of the Andes also has a remarkable resistance, not only to the cold, but also to the lack of water and to parasites.
The cane seed is also used for the production of flour, perfect for soups, in the preparation of desserts and to enrich drinks .
Properties of canihua
It is a seed with a color ranging from ocher to dark brown or burnt, similar in form to quinoa, but different for certain characteristics. First of all it does not contain saponins, those substances that could give the food a bitter taste, if not rinsed well before cooking.
Among the beneficial substances contained in these small seeds, there are amino acids and proteins, magnesium, vitamin E, iron, phosphorus and calcium. Among the benefits, in addition to the remarkable nutritional power that makes it an ideal food in vegetarian diets and for vegans, for example, include those connected to the stomach, as it helps in the process of digestion, and to the heart, thanks to the fact that it helps to reduce bad cholesterol. In fact, it contains very little fat, even if it is a rather energetic food, about 340 calories per 100 grams of product.
Containing no gluten, canihua seeds are perfect for coeliacs and intolerants.
Recipes with canihua seeds
Dogs seeds can be found in ethnic shops, in those specializing in organic and natural products, or online.
Canihua does not need to be soaked, it is cooked by boiling it for about 20 minutes. Well suited for the production of unique dishes, such as couscous based on vegetables or mixed salads .
It can be combined with cereals, such as millet for example, to make tasty vegetarian or vegan meatballs. A pack of 250 grams of cane seeds costs about 4.50 - 5 euros .
The advice is always to pay attention to the producers, so as not to damage the delicate local balance and to favor a correct and sustainable trade.
