It' s also rich in vitamins and minerals, providing almost four times as much calcium as wheat, plus iron, B vitamins and vitamin E. Not technically a grain, but a seed, assuch quinoa is rich in polyunsaturated oils, providing essential fatty acids. So it' s about as close to a perfect food as you can get.

You can buy quinoa in most healthfood shops and even some big supermarkets. To cook it, first rinse it well. Then boil it for 15 minutes in twice as much water and serve it as you would rice. It is exceptionally versatile, excellent in tabbouleh-like salads with beans and chopped vegetables, or served hot, as its nutty taste goes very well with tomato-based sauces and stews.