1688 - QUINOA - Chenopodium quinoa
Quinoa is cultivated mainly for its seeds, considered as "pseudocereal"; native to the lands of Central America, it is a plant that adapts to extreme conditions of drought, temperature and salinity of the soil. Avoid stagnation of water and exposure to frosts during flowering.
The properties of quinoa show a good protein intake, a good supply of micronutrients (calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc). It is rich in antioxidants and has high levels of essential fatty acids as well as being naturally gluten-free.
The seeds are used to prepare salads and soups to replace pasta and rice or to be used as flour. It is cultivated mainly for the seeds but also the fresh leaves of the quinoa are edible.
Family: Amarantaceae-Chenopodiacae (the same of spinach)
Sowing: in spring; the ideal distance between the rows is 40/50 cm, while on the row it can be 5/10 cm or even less. With a precision seeder you can get an excellent saving on the amount of seed used, which can vary from 6 to 8 kg / ha. In small gardens it has given excellent results and with 5 gr. of seed you can cover approx. 5mq.
Germination time: 4 or 5 days
Waiting times before harvest: 90 - 120 days
Exposure: it needs a lot of light, in full sun