With the nights drawing in and the temperature continuously dropping, it’s a sign that Halloween is just around the corner. The usual preparations have begun; an orange and black tinge has descended over the city centre, you constantly question whether that spider is real, and isn’t it about time you gathered your carving tools together and got your favourite soup recipe to hand as prime time pumpkin picking nears? Not this year. It would appear that the adventurous cooks among us have managed to formulate recipes for the Halloween festivities using the versatile, mineral-packed grain- quinoa.
You name it; it’s in there! From breads and muffins to parfaits and risotto, the Internet is heaving with recipe ideas encouraging people to incorporate this multipurpose ingredient into their diets- but why? We know the importance of grains for a source of energy as part of a healthy balanced diet, but what makes quinoa so notable above the rest?
The health benefits of quinoa have been a much spoken about topic in the food industry, as well as in the health and fitness world. In comparison to other grains such as rice and wheat, quinoa provides relatively the same amount of energy per 100g. However, the potential protein content of the plant seed is its most notable characteristic, totalling 16.5g per 100g, roughly 2.2g more than that of wheat. It is not just the amount of protein that is of significant importance, the quality and quantity of the body’s essential amino acids are highly recognised. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the mineral content of quinoa is also a factor to take into consideration when evaluating its place as part of a healthy balanced diet. Calcium, iron, and potassium are just some of the minerals identified that exist in higher proportions than in other grains in its dry state.
But it is not just the health benefits of quinoa that are creating a buzz amongst food enthusiasts; everyone is talking about its versatility. Toasted as part of a crumble topping, cooked in milk as a variation of oatmeal, or as part of a vegetarian patty mixture; it seems as though everybody has discovered the adaptable nature of the ingredient. Finding its place in vegetarian, vegan and gluten free diets, quinoa has become a source of essential fatty acids, essential amino acids and a wealth of vitamins and minerals that is accessible to the majority of the global population. In fact, a few years ago, the United Nations decided that quinoa was so significant and in need of recognisation that it crowned 2013 as ‘International Quinoa Year’.
Feeling inspired to give quinoa a try? Well why not take advantage of the spooky festival season and have a go at one of these Halloween inspired quinoa dishes!
http://www.forkandbeans.com/2015/10/07/mummy-pumpkin-quinoa-donuts/
SHU Food and Nutrition Society Blog 