QUINOA

Botanical Name: Chenopodium quinoa

Read about its history, seed, plant description, and its Benefits for Health

• Quinoa has a fascinating history dating back to pre-Columbian times. The Incas considered quinoa to be their most sacred food, which contained spiritually enhancing qualities, and so named it ‘La Chisiya Mama’, or ‘The Mother Grain’. Quinoa was so important to the Incas that they even combined it with fat to create ‘war balls’, which sustained entire Incan armies.

• Quinoa was widely distributed within and beyond Inca territory at the time of the Spanish arrival. The first Spaniard to note the cultivation of quinoa was Pedro de Valdivia, and the invading Spanish armies recognized the power of quinoa and ordered the destruction of quinoa fields to control the Indigenous Incan populations. The Europeans criminalized the growth, consumption, and worship of the “magical” grain, leading to malnutrition and infant mortality among the Incan populations

• Today, Peru and Bolivia remain the motherland of quinoa, and the vast majority of the world’s quinoa is still cultivated and commercially grown in these countries. Despite its widespread popularity, quinoa remains an important and valuable crop for many communities in South America and beyond.

• Quinoa seeds have a rich history dating back thousands of years. This superfood has been cultivated in the Andean region of Peru and Bolivia for centuries, and it is still predominantly grown in these countries. Quinoa is a seed that is rich in protein, fiber, and essential amino acids, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. It is not a grain, but it can be used as a substitute for grains in many dishes.

• The quinoa plant belongs to the goosefoot family, and its leaves can be eaten like spinach. Quinoa can grow in poor soil without the need for fertilizer or irrigation, making it a useful crop for areas with challenging growing conditions. The United Nations has even dubbed quinoa a “super crop” due to its potential to alleviate world hunger.

• Quinoa can be used in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, and desserts. It has become a popular ingredient among vegetarians and vegans, who use it as a protein source in place of meat. However, there are concerns about the environmental impact of quinoa farming, including the potential for overproduction and the expansion of farming into fragile ecosystems.

• Despite these concerns, efforts are being made to promote sustainable quinoa farming practices. Some organizations are working with local farmers to improve their methods and ensure that they receive fair prices for their crops. By supporting these initiatives, you can enjoy the nutritional benefits of quinoa while also contributing to a more sustainable and equitable food system.

• At Lineark Global, we manufacture, process, trade, and export spices and agricultural commodities. And we are proud to offer a wide range of spice products, including Nigella Sativa, which is sourced and processed with the highest level of expertise, market knowledge, and rich experience in all aspects of supply chain with the help of our team for procurement, cleaning, packaging, and shipment ensuring that our customers receive the best possible product. Contact us today to learn more about our products and services. Our spice products are sourced and processed from the heart of the spice nation, Unjha in Gujarat.

• We are proud to offer a wide range of spice products such as seeds of Cumin, Fennel, Fenugreek, Coriander, Dill, Mustard, Sesame, Pumpkin fresh and seeds, Chia, Caraway, Castor, Poppy, Psyllium seeds and husk, Turmeric finger, Red Chilli, Black Pepper, Bay leaves, Jaggery, all types of Rice, etc., including Nigella Sativa.