A “gift handed down by the Inca civilization,” Quinoa is ideal as a breakfast alternative for the diet-conscious as it is rich with protein with no gluten. (image: Kobiz Media)
SEOUL, Korea, Mar 13, 2014 (Korea Bizwire) – At the 2014 Natural Products Expo West held in the Anaheim Convention Center in southern California for four days between March 6 and 9, so many exhibitors showed of new food items featuring quinoa, the grain with South American origins.
Quinoa, together with chia seeds, is one of the grains considered a “super food” because it contains abundant antioxidants, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. The convention center was full of visitors who wanted to try out new Quinoa-based foods and beverages.
A “gift handed down by the Inca civilization,” Quinoa is ideal as a breakfast alternative for the diet-conscious as it is rich with protein with no gluten.
Song Tae-jin, president of Minsley Inc., a California-based company specializing in organic microwavable rice products, said, “Quinoa prices have tripled since last year because of the explosive increase in the demand. You will see so many processed foods based on Quinoa as it is easy to eat with milk or any other drink while at the same time excellent in nutritional value.”
In addition to quinoa, another item that attracted keen attention in the trade show was chia seeds, a species of flowering plant in the mint family native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala. The sesame seed-like seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The seeds are popular for health-conscious women who try to lose their weight.
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