Quinoa flour is obtained from the processing of quinoa seeds ( Chenopodium quinoa ), a plant belonging to the Chenopidaceae family . Highly proteinic and vitaminic, in South America it is also used to wash laundry. Let's find out better.
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How to make quinoa flour
Quinoa flour is obtained from the stone processing of quinoa seeds, Chenopodium quinoa, a herbaceous plant native to South America, belonging to the same family as spinach and beetroot.
It has grown spontaneously for thousands of years in the Andes and for the local inhabitants it has always represented a precious nourishment, but it can also be cultivated. Quinoa seeds have a shape similar to lentils and a pleasant and particular aroma that is also given to flour.
Properties and use of quinoa flour
From a nutritional point of view , quinoa is a very rich food : it has a high content of high biological value proteins, in particular it is rich in lysine, an amino acid lacking in cereals.
Its protein content is higher than that of rice, millet and wheat . Quinoa flour also contains carbohydrates with low glycemic index, fats and mineral salts such as potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, calcium, selenium, iron, zinc and copper.
Among vitamins, quinoa is rich in vitamin B2, as well as vitamin C and vitamin E. Thanks to this contribution, quinoa flour can be considered a useful food to protect the circulatory system and body tissues.
Quinoa does not contain gluten and can be introduced into the celiac diet . The saponins contained in quinoa are considered miraculous to treat skin lesions.
Quinoa saponins are used in South America to prepare natural detergents for laundry, while its stems are used for dyeing fabrics.
You can learn more about the properties, benefits and use of quinoa
Quinoa flour products
In the kitchen, quinoa flour is used around 30% mixed with other flours, such as spelled, wheat and Kamut, to prepare baked goods, both sweet and savory, biscuits, biscuits, bread, breadsticks, cakes .
There are three major varieties of quinoa, which are characterized by the color of their grains: red, yellow or black. All three varieties can be used.
In some organic food shops you can find already ground quinoa flour. It is also found in health food stores and in stores specializing in natural food, online and in fair-trade shops. If you do not want to buy it ready, you can easily get it by blending the quinoa beans in the spice grinder or in the coffee grinder.
A recipe up your sleeve
Piadina with quinoa flour
Ingredients :
- 240 g quinoa flour,
- a tablespoon of soy flour or other protein flour, such as lentils, beans or broad beans,
- a pinch of salt,
- 200 ml of water
Preparation : Combine and mix the soy flour, quinoa flour and salt, gradually add water to create a smooth and homogeneous batter. Let the batter rest for about ten minutes and then spread it on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake in a hot oven at 180 ° for about 20 minutes or less, just long enough to turn golden.
