6 things you need to know before buying quinoa

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Over the last few years, the quinoa industry has expanded rapidly. Whether it's color, size, or origin, quinoa options seem nearly endless nowadays. The next time you buy quinoa, here are the top six things to keep in mind:

1. Always buy organic.

A couple of years ago, you could only find quinoa from two countries: Bolivia and Peru. Today, many other countries are producing it, but in order to obtain the right size, some growers use harmful chemicals. In fact, in 2015 several shipping containers of non-Bolivian quinoa weren't permitted to enter the US due to the high content of chemicals the product contained.

When you shop for quinoa, make sure it's organic. You'll avoid those harmful chemicals and know you're getting a quality product.

2. Pre-washed is the way to go.

Quinoa is naturally covered in a bitter substance called saponin. If it's not removed thoroughly, it can be harmful to your health and alter the flavor of the cooked quinoa. Buying pre-washed quinoa means the saponin has been removed prior to packaging. It also means you don't need to spend hours washing it yourself. A little peace of mind goes a long way!

3. Buy in bulk and save hundreds.

Suppose your family or business consumes five pounds of quinoa each week. By buying in bulk, you can save over a thousand dollars a year compared to buying by the box. High-quality quinoa can be found in bulk for as little as $2.58 per lb.

4. Size matters.

When it comes to quinoa, size does matter. For a larger seed, crunchier texter, and better taste, look for "Royal Quinoa." Royal quinoa can be up to 33% larger in size than other types of quinoa, and it's grown exclusively in Bolivia in ideal quinoa-growing conditions.

5. Color makes no difference.

Though quinoa traditionally comes in white, red, and black versions, there's no nutritional difference between the three. There are slight differences in texture and taste, but it really just comes down to personal preference. Play around with what types of food you pair with the different colored grains to figure out what you like best.

6. Quinoa expansion helps communities.

In the years since quinoa consumption has grown globally, it's easy to assume that the communities growing the grain may have been exploited. That with the crop's increased popularity, farmers and harvesters who had relied on quinoa for centuries could no longer afford it.

The reality is that these 50,000 South American quinoa farmers are making money. Wouldn't you rather be paid as much as possible for your harvest and choose how to spend that money, rather than eating quinoa for breakfast, lunch, and dinner because you didn't have a choice?

Quinoa is a healthy staple to any diet, but the ability to afford medicine and provide an education for your children is equally important. So when you shop for quinoa, make sure to choose a company that helps the local communities and supports socially responsible programs.

A brand that meets all six of these requirements? OA QUINOA. Available on Amazon, use code X3DYEVAT for 10% off your next purchase.

For more information on quinoa and how to make healthy eating choices, click here or contact them at info@oaquinoa.com.

This post is sponsored by OA Foods. Content written and provided by OA Foods.

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