Organic quinoa.

Quinoa is a small, round seed that cooks like a grain. When it is done it is light and tender, with tiny curled tails and a gentle, slightly nutty taste. It is a handy dry good to keep in the cupboard when you want something quick that is not rice or noodles.

Ways to use it

• Simmer it plain and serve it in place of rice with a curry, stir-fry or grilled vegetables.
• Let it cool and toss with chopped cucumber, tomato, herbs, lemon juice and a little oil for a simple salad.
• Stir cooked quinoa into soup near the end, so it thickens the broth slightly.
• Mix cooked quinoa with beaten egg, spring onion and herbs, then pan fry small patties.
• Cook it in milk or water with cinnamon for a warm breakfast bowl.

To cook it, rinse the grains in a fine sieve under running water, then simmer with about twice their volume of water, covered, for about 15 minutes. Rest it with the lid on for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.

Storing it

Keep the pack sealed in a cool, dry cupboard, away from sunlight. Once opened, pour the quinoa into a jar or box with a tight lid and close it each time. Cooked quinoa should go into the fridge once it has cooled.

Where it comes from

Grown to certified organic standards. The certificate for each lot is shown when you trace your pack.

Every pack will carry a lot code. Enter it on the Trace your pack page and you will see the farms in that lot, the packing date and the certificate.