United Nations Declares 2013 International Year of Quinoa

The year 2013 has been declared "The International Year of the Quinoa" (IYQ), by the United Nations General Assembly in December 2011.

“Quinoa is considered to be the organic food of the future and holds great potential in efforts to eradicate poverty worldwide and provide global food security and nutrition.” The United Nations, in connection with the presentation of the International Year of Quinoa created a multi-media exhibit. Events throughout the year relating to the International Year of Quinoa will be headed by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), in collaboration with NGOs, indigenous peoples' organizations and, the Governments from the Andean region.

The objective of the IYQ Plan is to focus world attention on the role quinoa´s biodiversity and nutritional value plays, in providing food security and nutrition, the eradication of poverty in support of the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the Millennium Development Goals. 

Quinoa is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds. It is a pseudo-cereal rather than a true cereal, or grain. Quinoa originated over 3,000 years ago in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and Peru. 

Quinoa Nutritional Information

Quinoa is high in protein, a good source of dietary fiber and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron. Quinoa is also gluten-free.

Preparation. Quinoa has a natural bitter-tasting coating called saponins. Most quinoa sold commercially has been processed to remove this coating. However, the directions may require additional rinsing before cooking.

Quinoa can be added to a wide variety of dishes and substituted in recipes using rice or couscous. Quinoa flour can be used in wheat-free and gluten-free baking. To enhance the flavor, stock can be exchanged for water during cooking. Quinoa also can provide a nutritious breakfast with the addition of honey, nuts or fruits.

Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Recipe Card

References
United Nations, International Year of the Quinoa (IYQ-2013)  
Facebook, International Year of Quinoa 
Twitter, International Year of Quinoa