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Quinoa: From Ancient Staple to Modern Superfood

Quinoa is undeniably a remarkable grain, packed with nutrients, health benefits, and culinary possibilities. Whether one is looking to improve their diet, explore new recipes, or simply enjoy delicious and healthy meals, quinoa is an outstanding choice. As the Grain of the Month, quinoa exemplifies versatility and nutritional excellence.

By incorporating quinoa into one’s diet, individuals make a healthy choice for themselves while also supporting sustainable agriculture and global food security. Companies like Grainwell offer high-quality quinoa products, such as Grainwell Puffed Quinoa, which can add a delightful crunch and nutritional boost to various dishes. Embracing quinoa can enrich one’s culinary repertoire and contribute positively to overall well-being, proving that this ancient grain continues to be relevant and beneficial in the modern world.

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has firmly established itself as a staple in many modern households, celebrated for its remarkable versatility, impressive nutritional benefits, and unique, slightly nutty flavor. Originally cultivated in the Andean region of South America, quinoa was a vital crop for the Incas, who revered it as “the mother of all grains.” Though it is technically a seed, quinoa is commonly classified as a whole grain due to its similar cooking methods and nutritional profile. Let us delve deeper into why quinoa is deserving of the title Grain of the Month.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

The health benefits of quinoa are extensive and varied. Here are some of the most significant:

• Weight Management: Quinoa’s high fiber and protein content contribute to increased satiety and reduced appetite, making it an excellent addition to a diet focused on weight loss or weight management.
• Heart Health: The dietary fiber in quinoa helps to lower cholesterol levels, while its potassium and magnesium content supports healthy blood pressure levels.
• Blood Sugar Control: Quinoa has a low glycemic index, meaning it does not cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This makes it a suitable choice for individuals with diabetes or those seeking to maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
• Rich in Antioxidants: Quinoa is packed with antioxidants, which help to combat free radicals in the body and reduce inflammation. This can aid in the prevention of various chronic diseases, including cancer.
• Digestive Health: The high fiber content in quinoa promotes healthy digestion by preventing constipation and maintaining a healthy gut microbiome.

Nutritional Value of Quinoa 

Quinoa is renowned for its exceptional nutritional profile. It is one of the rare plant-based foods that provides all nine essential amino acids, rendering it a complete protein source. This makes quinoa particularly valuable for vegetarians and vegans who may otherwise find it challenging to meet their protein requirements.

A single cup of cooked quinoa contains approximately:

• Calories: 222
• Protein: 8 grams
• Fat: 3.6 grams
• Carbohydrates: 39 grams
• Fiber: 5 grams
• Iron: 2.8 mg (15% of the RDI)
• Magnesium: 118 mg (30% of the RDI)
• Phosphorus: 281 mg (28% of the RDI)
• Folate: 77.7 mcg (19% of the RDI)
• Zinc: 2 mg (13% of the RDI)

Quinoa is also naturally gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Culinary Versatility of Quinoa

One of quinoa’s most appealing attributes is its culinary versatility. Its slightly nutty flavor and pleasant, chewy texture complement a wide array of dishes. Here are several ways to incorporate quinoa into your meals:

• Breakfast: Start your day with a nutritious quinoa breakfast bowl. Cook quinoa with milk or a dairy-free alternative and top with fresh fruits, nuts, and a drizzle of honey.
• Salads: Quinoa makes an excellent base for salads. Combine cooked quinoa with a variety of fresh vegetables, herbs, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing and filling meal.
• Side Dish: Use quinoa as a side dish in place of rice or pasta. It pairs well with roasted vegetables, grilled meats, and stir-fries.
• Soups and Stews: Add quinoa to soups and stews to enhance their nutritional content and add a delightful texture.
• Baking: Quinoa flour can be used in baking to create gluten-free bread, muffins, and cookies.

Quinoa Recipes

To help you get started on your quinoa journey, here are a few delicious recipes to try at home:

1. Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

2 cups of Grainwell puffed quinoa

2 cups vegetable broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

1 bell pepper, chopped

1 zucchini, chopped

1 carrot, julienned

1 cup broccoli florets

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions:

Rinse quinoa under cold water.

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until the liquid is absorbed.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.

Add bell pepper, zucchini, carrot, and broccoli. Cook until vegetables are tender-crisp.

Stir in cooked quinoa, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Season with salt and pepper.

Garnish with sesame seeds and serve hot.

2. Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

2 cups of Grainwell puffed quinoa

2 cups water

1 cucumber, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped

1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Lemon Vinaigrette:

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

1 garlic clove, minced

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Rinse quinoa under cold water.

In a medium saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add quinoa, reduce heat, and simmer for about 15 minutes, until water is absorbed.

In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint.

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, and pepper.

Pour vinaigrette over salad and toss to combine.

Top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

3. Quinoa Breakfast Porridge

Ingredients:

2 cups of Grainwell puffed quinoa

2 cups almond milk (or any milk of your choice)

1 tablespoon maple syrup

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Fresh berries and nuts for topping

Instructions:

Rinse quinoa under cold water.

In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil.

Reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, until quinoa is tender and the liquid is absorbed.

Serve warm, topped with fresh berries and nuts.

Growing and Sourcing Quinoa

Quinoa thrives in harsh climates and poor soils, which is part of why it was a staple crop for the ancient Incas. Today, it is primarily grown in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador, although its cultivation is spreading to other parts of the world, including the United States and Canada.

When purchasing quinoa, look for fair trade and organic options to ensure you are supporting sustainable and ethical farming practices. These choices not only benefit the environment but also support the farmers who cultivate this remarkable crop.

Elevate Your Product Line with Grainwell Quinoa

Looking to enhance your product offerings with nutritious, high-quality ingredients? Partner with Grainwell to bring the versatile power of quinoa to your business. Our premium quinoa products, including Grainwell Puffed Quinoa, are perfect for creating innovative and health-focused dishes that resonate with today’s health-conscious consumers. Contact us today to learn how Grainwell can help you deliver the finest quinoa-based products to your customers. Let’s innovate together!

The state-of-the-art facility produces single-ingredient, clean-label, non-GMO, gluten-free, and organic grains and legumes, enabling the creation of new better-for-you foods and snacks

Monday, August 19, 2024 7am ET

DYERSVILLE, Iowa–(BUSINESSWIRE)– Grainwell Puffed Grains, previously known as Ancient Brands, announces that their new Dyersville, Iowa facility has begun full-scale puffed grain production. The company states that this is the only controlled-puffing facility in North America as well as the world’s largest. The new multi-line, 105,000 sq ft operation produces high-quality, custom-puffed grains and legumes at scale. Their uniquely controlled Cerex puffing technology, combined with their Grainwell Way methodology, enables precise puffing at scale and is more sustainable than other puffing methods.

“Our new name better reflects our unique capabilities and marketplace value,” says Wolfgang Buehler, Grainwell CEO. “Better-For-You foods continue to gain market share globally. Puffed ancient and contemporary grains, produced properly, bring huge potential to create innovative new products and improve existing ones. Our team works with brands’ R&D, food science, and product marketing people to tailor puffed grain and legume solutions that open possibilities for innovative products and improve existing ones.”

Prior to Grainwell, Wolfgang Buehler, CEO, had been the owner and CEO of Organic Milling in San Dimas, CA. In that role, he experienced the need in the marketplace for improved puffed grain solutions. This led to Ancient Brands and an initial small-scale facility that was soon at capacity. In November of 2022, expansion plans began. In October of 2023, the company moved into the new “greenfield” facility in Dyersville, Iowa. This new location offers 14x the volume potential, even greater product control, production efficiency, and grain diversity.

“Our closed, continuous batch process tightly controls every aspect of the complex puffing process, enabling calibration of the grain color, texture, size, moisture content, and flavor profile. Our process is up to 95% efficient, compared to an industry average of less than 70%. We create less waste and use less water and energy to create a superior product,” said Dylan Kollasch, PhD, and VP of Innovation and Product Development. “Many of our grain and legume capabilities are simply not possible with traditional puffing methodologies.”

Grainwell provides samples and development support to food companies’ R&D, product development, and food science teams on a wide array of components for creating innovative new products and enhancing existing offerings. The company has also established a leading position in brand name, uncoated puffed grain cereals, claiming over 80% of the production in this growing category.

“What’s old…is what’s new,” said Chris Bekermeier, VP of Sales and Marketing. “Puffed ancient grains such as amaranth, quinoa, and Kamut are being rediscovered. Puffed grains are single-ingredient, clean-label, non-GMO, wholesome sources of nutrition, in foods including cereals, baked goods, bars, snacks, as well as a RTE snack. These grains taste amazing. Few ingredients can make these claims.”

ABOUT GRAINWELL PUFFED GRAINS

Grainwell Puffed Grains, a private company headquartered in Dyersville Iowa, was founded in 2020 based on the belief that the food industry needed a new generation of historic ingredients. The company’s sole focus is leveraging technology to craft superior puffed grains and legumes that meet the evolving needs of global and emergent food brands. Current and future puffed grains include Spelt, Amaranth, Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Quinoa, Khorasan, Kamut, Sorghum, and more. Samples and more information on Grainwell Puffed Grains can be found at Grainwellfoods.com.

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Contacts

Media Contact:
Carl Melville
carl.melville@melvillegroup.com
760-671-1110

Source: Grainwell Puffed Grains

We at Grainwell would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the IFT FIRST show in Chicago a resounding success. Your presence and interest in our unique puffed grain products truly made a difference. The event was a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry leaders and showcase our innovative offerings.

We were thrilled to see so many of you stop by our booth to learn more about Grainwell. Your enthusiasm and curiosity about our products were genuinely inspiring. We are committed to providing high-quality, nutritious, and delicious puffed grain products, and your feedback and inquiries are invaluable to us.

For those who requested more information, rest assured that our team will be reaching out shortly. We are eager to continue the conversation and explore how Grainwell can meet your needs and contribute to your success.

Once again, thank you for your support and for making the IFT FIRST show an unforgettable experience. We look forward to staying in touch and building strong, fruitful relationships with all of you.

The Grainwell Team

Ancient grains have captivated the interest of the health-conscious and culinary experts alike. But beyond their nutritious value and unique flavors, there’s much more to these time-tested staples. Here are ten surprising facts about ancient grains that might intrigue food industry professionals as they look to innovate and capture consumer interest.

1. Ancient Wheat Varieties Are Naturally Resistant to Pests: Some ancient wheat varieties, such as emmer and einkorn, possess natural resistance to pests. This characteristic likely evolved through centuries of adaptation and can be particularly advantageous in organic farming, where synthetic pesticides are restricted.

2. Amaranth Was Once a Currency: In ancient Mesoamerica, particularly among the Aztecs, amaranth grains were so valued that they were used as a form of currency. This high regard was due to Amaranth’s nutritional profile, which includes a high protein content and essential amino acids like lysine.

3. Quinoa Can Grow in Harsh Environments: Quinoa is nutritious and extremely resilient. It can thrive in harsh environments with poor soil quality, minimal water, and high altitudes — a trait that makes it a sustainable choice for areas susceptible to adverse agricultural conditions.

4. Millet is More than Just Bird Food: While commonly considered as bird feed in the Western world, millet has a prestigious status in many parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia, where it’s a staple food. It’s highly nutritious, gluten-free, and used to make everything from bread to beer.

5. Teff Leads in Calcium Content: Of all grains, teff, an ancient grain native to Ethiopia, boasts the highest calcium content, offering about 123 mg per cooked cup. This makes it a valuable grain for bone health and a great alternative for those who do not consume dairy products.

6. Sorghum is a Biofuel Powerhouse: Beyond its culinary uses, sorghum has emerged as a significant crop in biofuel production. Its drought tolerance and the efficiency with which it converts sunlight into energy make it a viable and eco-friendly alternative to corn in ethanol production.

7. Spelt Shells Can Be Used as Construction Material: The indigestible outer shell of spelt grains, known as spelt chaff, is not only a byproduct of milling but has also been used as a construction material in Europe. Mixed with lime, it creates a durable, insulating material known as spelt concrete.

8. Kamut is an Ancient Grain with a Modern Trademark: Unlike most ancient grains, “Kamut” is a trademarked name. It refers specifically to a variety of Khorasan wheat that was rediscovered in the 20th century. The grain’s name and production are protected under this trademark, ensuring that products labeled as Kamut meet certain quality standards.

9. Barley Was Essential for Brewing in Ancient Civilizations: Barley was not just a food staple in ancient civilizations but also a primary ingredient in brewing beer, particularly in Mesopotamia and Egypt. The grain’s fermentable sugars were perfect for early brewing methods.

10. Fonio Has a History of Sustenance and Symbolism: Fonio has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in West Africa. It’s cherished for its ability to grow in poor soil conditions and its cultural significance in many West African countries, symbolizing prosperity and fertility.

Implications for the Food Industry and Grains Sector

Each of these facts underscores ancient grains’ diverse benefits and applications, from their nutritional values and ecological advantages to their cultural significance. For food companies, leveraging these grains can mean tapping into a market of health-conscious consumers interested in sustainable and culturally rich products.

The unique properties of these grains, such as pest resistance in ancient wheat varieties or the high calcium content of teff, offer additional marketing angles and product development opportunities. For example, incorporating amaranth into products can attract consumers looking for high-protein, nutritious options, while the sustainability story behind quinoa’s resilience might appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

The resurgent interest in puffed ancient grains creates many new product and brand extension opportunities for emerging brands, legacy brands, and private-label producers. Grainwell Puffed Grains, the North American leader in puffed ancient and traditional grains, is your source for a wide range of high-quality puffed grains.

Founded in 2016, we had one idea in mind – provide healthy foods for our families.

Today, we provide for many families not just our own – but those of our employees, our community at large, and the most important family, YOURS. Still the same healthy grains, care in processing, and high quality products, but we have with your kind support, grown. And now in 2022, we are growing again! See all of our exciting news below!