Quinoa is a flowering plant in the amaranth family that originated thousands of years ago in the Andes Mountains. It’s frequently referred to as the “super grain seed,” as it has more protein than any other grain—and it’s pretty tasty, too. Here, we break down exactly what quinoa is, who can eat it, and how to make the fluffiest bowl of quinoa every time. Quinoa also grows in a rainbow of colors—from white to red to black. All the different colors are slightly different in texture, taste, and properties, too: Here’s how the different colors compare nutritionally: If you don’t want to eat all your quinoa right away, you can freeze it for eight to ten months and reheat it anytime you want a quick bowl of quinoa on the spot—freeze it in an airtight container for best results. In the fridge, as with most other foods, store it in an airtight container where it will keep for five to seven days.
