7 Reasons Why Quinoa Producers Are Changing the World

Quinoa is a superfood that has taken the world by storm in recent years. But do you know where it comes from and how it is grown? Quinoa producers are mostly small-scale farmers in South America, who have been cultivating this ancient grain for thousands of years. They are not only providing a nutritious and delicious food for millions of people, but also contributing to environmental and social sustainability. Here are seven reasons why quinoa producers are changing the world.

Key Takeaways

Quinoa is a resilient crop that can grow in harsh conditions.

Quinoa is a complete protein that can fight hunger and malnutrition.

Quinoa is a biodiverse crop that can preserve genetic diversity.

Quinoa is a fair trade crop that can empower small farmers.

Quinoa is a sustainable crop that can protect the environment.

Quinoa is a cultural crop that can promote social cohesion.

Quinoa is an innovative crop that can inspire new products and markets.

1. Quinoa is a resilient crop that can grow in harsh conditions.

Quinoa is native to the Andean region of South America, where it thrives in high altitudes, low rainfall, and poor soils. It can withstand frost, drought, salinity, and pests, making it a reliable source of food and income for farmers in marginal lands. Quinoa is also adaptable to different climates and regions, as it has been successfully grown in countries such as China, India, Kenya, Morocco, and the United States.

2. Quinoa is a complete protein that can fight hunger and malnutrition.

Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It also has a high content of fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and antioxidants, among other nutrients. Quinoa can help prevent and treat various health problems, such as anemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Quinoa is also gluten-free and suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

3. Quinoa is a biodiverse crop that can preserve genetic diversity.

Quinoa has a remarkable genetic diversity, with more than 3,000 varieties identified so far. Each variety has its own characteristics, such as color, shape, size, flavor, and nutritional value. Quinoa producers have been selecting and conserving these varieties for centuries, creating a rich cultural and biological heritage. Quinoa diversity is also important for food security and adaptation to climate change, as it allows farmers to choose the best varieties for their conditions and preferences.

4. Quinoa is a fair trade crop that can empower small farmers.

Quinoa producers are mostly organized in cooperatives or associations that help them access markets, improve their production practices, and negotiate fair prices. Quinoa has become a valuable export commodity for countries such as Bolivia and Peru, generating income and employment opportunities for rural communities. Quinoa also benefits from ethical certification schemes, such as organic, fair trade, or geographic indication, that recognize its quality and origin and reward its producers.

5. Quinoa is a sustainable crop that can protect the environment.

Quinoa production is based on traditional and ecological methods that respect the natural cycles and resources of the land. Quinoa producers use crop rotation, intercropping, composting, and biological pest control to maintain soil fertility, water conservation, and biodiversity. Quinoa also has a low carbon footprint compared to other crops, as it requires less energy and inputs to grow and transport.

6. Quinoa is a cultural crop that can promote social cohesion.

Quinoa is more than just a food for its producers; it is also a symbol of their identity, history, and spirituality. Quinoa has been part of the Andean culture for millennia, playing a role in rituals, festivals, ceremonies, and myths. Quinoa producers have a strong sense of belonging and pride in their quinoa heritage, which they share with their families and communities. Quinoa also fosters intercultural dialogue and cooperation among different regions and countries.

Tip

To enhance the flavor and texture of quinoa, you can toast it in a dry skillet before cooking it. This will give it a nutty aroma and a crunchy bite.

7. Quinoa is an innovative crop that can inspire new products and markets.

Quinoa is not only consumed as a whole grain or flour; it can also be processed into various products such as pasta, flakes, puffs, snacks, bars, drinks, cosmetics, and even paper. These products offer new possibilities for quinoa consumption and diversification, as well as new opportunities for quinoa producers and entrepreneurs. Quinoa innovation also responds to the growing demand for healthy, natural, ethical, and convenient products among consumers worldwide.

Quinoa Producers: A Statistical Report

Quinoa is a grain crop that has been cultivated for its edible seeds in South America for thousands of years. It is considered a superfood because of its high nutritional value and health benefits. Quinoa comes in three varieties: white, red and black. In this report, we will present some statistics about the global quinoa market, the main producing countries and the demand trends.

Global Quinoa Market

According to Statista, the global quinoa market value was estimated at 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 and is projected to reach 1.6 billion U.S. dollars by 2026 . The global quinoa production volume was about 147 thousand metric tons in 2021, showing a slight decrease from the previous year . The average global price of quinoa was 3.05 U.S. dollars per kilogram in 2021, down from 3.15 U.S. dollars per kilogram in 2020 .

Main Producing Countries

The three main producing countries of quinoa are Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, which together accounted for more than 95 percent of the global production in 2021 . Peru was the leading producer with 85 thousand metric tons, followed by Bolivia with 35 thousand metric tons and Ecuador with 10 thousand metric tons . These countries also exported most of their quinoa to other markets, especially the United States, which imported 45 percent of the world quinoa production in 2020 . The export value of quinoa worldwide was estimated at 366 million U.S. dollars in 2022, with Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador being the top exporters .

Demand Trends

The demand for quinoa has been increasing in recent years due to its popularity as a healthy and gluten-free alternative to other grains. Quinoa is rich in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, and has anti-inflammatory properties . Quinoa is also versatile and can be used in various dishes, such as salads, soups, burgers, desserts and more. The main consumers of quinoa are the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia and China . The import value of quinoa worldwide was estimated at 374 million U.S. dollars in 2022, with the United States, Canada and Germany being the top importers .

Frequently Questions:

Q1: What is quinoa and how do you cook it?
Quinoa is a seed that is cooked like a grain. To cook quinoa, rinse it well under cold water to remove the bitter saponins. Then, add one part quinoa and two parts water or broth to a pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the quinoa is fluffy and the water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and enjoy.

Q2: What are the health benefits of quinoa?
Quinoa is a complete protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also rich in fiber, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and antioxidants. Quinoa can help prevent and treat various health problems, such as anemia, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer.

Q3: Where does quinoa come from and who grows it?
Quinoa is native to the Andean region of South America, where it has been cultivated for thousands of years by small-scale farmers. The main quinoa producing countries are Bolivia and Peru, followed by Ecuador, USA, and China.

Q4: How can I use quinoa in my recipes?
Quinoa is a versatile ingredient that can be used in salads, soups, stews, casseroles, burgers, patties, muffins, cookies, cakes, and more. You can also use quinoa flour to make breads, pancakes, waffles, or pizza crusts. Quinoa flakes or puffs can be used as breakfast cereals or toppings.

Q5: Is quinoa gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, quinoa is gluten-free and vegan. It is suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as well as for those who follow a plant-based diet.

References:

https://futatraw.ourproject.org/descargas/DicQuechuaBolivia.pdf

https://www.fao.org/docrep/017/aq287e/aq287e.pdf

http://lasa.international.pitt.edu/members/congress-papers/lasa2009/files/KolataAlanL.pdf

https://www.statista.com/topics/2813/quinoa-market/
https://www.statista.com/statistics/486442/global-quinoa-production/
https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2013/08/16/quinoa-plant-lot-potential
https://web.colby.edu/st297-global18/2019/01/22/superfoods-dark-side-increasing-vulnerability-of-quinoa-farmers-in-bolivia/

https://www.tastingtable.com/907179/10-best-quinoa-brands-ranked/

https://www.statista.com/topics/2813/quinoa-market/

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpls.2016.00622/full