You may not even know how to pronounce this little grain. Let me help! Quinoa is pronounced “keen-wah.” You can find it at practically any grocery store these days, but when all else fails try a Whole Foods. It tastes a bit nutty and sweet and when cooked, should be a little al dente.

Quinoa is a grain that is produced primarily for its seeds, which we can eat! Believe it or not, it is closely related to beets and spinach. It was originally harvested in the Andes region of South America and used to be considered one of the most important crops to the Incas (behind potatoes but before maize).

Nutritionally speaking, quinoa is great for you! It is high in protein and is one of the few plant foods that can act as a complete protein – great for vegetarians or flexitarians. It is also a good source of fiber and offers a kick of magnesium and iron. Bonus: it is gluten-free!

Don’t be afraid to cook quinoa. Treat it like rice with a 2:1 water:grain ratio. Bring the quinoa and the water to a boil, and cover and simmer for around 15-20 minutes. Fluff it with a fork and get creative! You can add veggies, olive oil and parmesan, or honey and berries for a breakfast treat.

Ready to try it out? Check out these recipes here and feel free to post your favorite one in the comments!