Amaranth : Quinoa

Shelly 25 Black

90-120 days — The farmers that supply us with this variety began selecting for growth and taste from quinoa being grown in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. After several years of this laborious process, they released 'Shelly 25'. Along with the aforementioned traits, it is productive. Each plant typically yields one to two ounces of seeds but in rich, fertile soil, over six ounces is possible. The plants are also hardy. During the 2011 season he told us that, ". . . we experienced a five hundred year drought with 60% loss and then an early heavy snow knocked down another 20%. But the plants still survived." The flower / seed heads are a beautifully colored mix and are quite ornamental. The seeds are harvested and used as a grain. Once dried, the seeds can be stored for later use. Additionally, young leaves can be harvested and eaten either raw or as a cooked green. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) is an ancient cultivated plant. Its use dates back to at least the Incan civilization. Although it is grown and used primarily as a grain, it is not in the grass family, and not a true grain. It is actually more closely related to beets and spinach. The seeds, therefore, contain no gluten. With an increase in awareness about gluten allergies or sensitivities and diseases such as celiac disease, interest in quinoa is on the rise. Used as a grain, the flavor of quinoa can range from bland to nutty and delicious. Lightly roasting before cooking enhances the flavor. According to the USDA's Nutrition Database, quinoa contains a nearly perfect protein for human consumption. It actually is a good substitute for meat as a source for dietary protein. It is also a good source for calcium and iron.