Cañihua: the new “super food”

First there was quinoa. Now another grain is called the "superfood." This is the cañihua, which although it is not yet so easy to find on the market, is in fashion thanks to the properties it has. 

Cañihua is a seed native to South America, mainly from the Peruvian Andes. It has a sweet flavor very similar to that of a walnut, because it does not contain saponins, which give a more salty flavor.

This seed has many health benefits, which we are sure you will like to know about. These are:

High level of protein: For every serving of Cañihua, you get seven grams of powerful protein and only 160 calories. This is good news for vegans and vegetarians, even meat eaters who want a healthier way to get protein without eating too much meat. There is much more protein in cañihua than in brown rice or quinoa.

It is gluten-free: For anyone who has gluten intolerance (celiac people), cañihua is a great option for meals without having to feel intestinal discomfort.

High iron content: Iron is very important for our body. Without iron, we can fall ill or develop anemia, which can be a nightmare for anyone. One serving of cañihua provides approximately 60% of the recommended daily value of iron. It has more than quinoa.

Contains a diversity of nutrients: Cañihua is full of nutrients such as calcium, zinc and fiber. It has more fiber than millet or wild rice. Fiber helps you feel fuller for longer, so it's helpful if you're currently looking to lose weight or are dieting.

Rich in antioxidants: These seeds have many antioxidants, so they are also ideal for our daily diet, while helping to protect cells against harmful free radicals.

It is ideal for the whole family: For each serving of cañihua you will only find one gram of fat. There are no sugars and with three grams of fiber, they will help you feel satisfied, and your children too. It is a vegetable grain that also has no cholesterol or saturated fats.

Reduces risk of disease: This vegetable grain is also a healthy whole grain that can help reduce your risk of diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, heart disease, some cancers and much more. Without a doubt, taking cañihua in your diet is beneficial, but helping you reduce diseases is undoubtedly the best option of all.

How can you enjoy cañihua?
It is possible that after reading all this, you are curious to try this "superfood" and introduce it into your family diet. To prepare it, it is just as easy as quinoa, although it is a little faster, since you don't have to wash it first. You will have to use two cups of water for each cup of dry cañihua you have. Cook over low heat for about 20 minutes and let them toast for another twenty minutes in a dry pan. You will start to smell its good aroma.

You can eat it as a porridge or grind it into flour and use it to create your own bread. For breakfast, you can try it as a substitute for oatmeal or put it on top of delicious fresh fruits such as strawberries and other similar fruits. Cañihua is also a great substitute for starchy foods. Go ahead and enjoy this food and all the benefits it has for your health.