What is it?

Black Quinoa is a dark-coloured variety of quinoa, an edible seed from the Chenopodium quinoa plant. Although commonly prepared and eaten like a grain, quinoa is technically a pseudocereal.

Compared with white quinoa, black quinoa generally has a firmer, slightly crunchier texture and a stronger earthy, nutty flavour. It also keeps its shape particularly well after cooking.

Product Benefits

• Provides plant-based protein - quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
• Good source of dietary fibre - supports normal digestion and helps make meals more satisfying.
• Contains antioxidant plant compounds - its dark colour is associated with naturally occurring polyphenols and other antioxidants.
• Provides complex carbohydrates - useful for sustained energy as part of a balanced meal.
• Naturally low in saturated fat - suitable for heart-conscious eating patterns.
• Provides important minerals - including magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, iron, and zinc.
• Plant-based - suitable for vegetarian and vegan diets.
• Naturally gluten-free - suitable for gluten-free diets when processed without cross-contamination.
• Firm, nutty texture - works particularly well in salads, grain bowls, and mixed-grain dishes.
• Versatile - can replace rice or other grains in many everyday meals.

Ways to consume

1. Rice replacement: Serve cooked black quinoa instead of white rice alongside vegetables, meat, fish, or tofu.
2. Quinoa salads: Mix with cucumber, tomatoes, leafy greens, avocado, nuts, and a light dressing.
3. Breakfast bowls: Combine cooked quinoa with milk or plant-based milk, fruits, nuts, seeds, and honey.
4. Grain bowls: Pair with roasted vegetables, chickpeas, eggs, tofu, chicken, or seafood.
5. Soups & stews: Add cooked quinoa to soups for extra texture, protein, and fibre.
6. Quinoa fried “rice”: Stir-fry cooked quinoa with eggs, vegetables, garlic, and seasonings.
7. Mixed grains: Cook or serve alongside brown rice, red quinoa, white quinoa, or other grains.
8. Stuffed vegetables: Use quinoa as a filling for bell peppers, tomatoes, zucchini, or mushrooms.
9. Quinoa patties: Combine cooked quinoa with vegetables, eggs or a suitable binder, then form into patties.
10. Wraps & burritos: Add cooked quinoa with beans, vegetables, avocado, and your preferred protein.
11. Curries: Serve black quinoa alongside vegetable, chicken, lentil, or bean curries.
12. Sweet quinoa porridge: Cook until tender and serve with milk, cinnamon, banana, raisins, or other fruits.

Suitable for?

• 🌱 Vegetarians & vegans - provides plant-based protein and all nine essential amino acids.
• 🌾 People following a gluten-free diet - quinoa is naturally gluten-free when free from cross-contamination.
• 💪 Active individuals - provides carbohydrates, protein, and minerals to complement an active lifestyle.
• 🌿 People wanting more fibre - useful for supporting normal digestion and making meals more satisfying.
• ❤️ Heart-conscious individuals - naturally low in saturated fat and suitable as part of a balanced, heart-conscious diet.
• 🥗 Health-conscious individuals - an easy way to add whole-food variety and plant nutrients to meals.
• 😋 People looking for greater fullness - its combination of protein and fibre can help meals feel more satisfying.
• 🍚 People seeking an alternative to rice - works well in grain bowls, salads, curries, and everyday meals.
• 🖤 People interested in antioxidant-rich foods - black quinoa contains naturally occurring antioxidant plant compounds.
• 👨👩👧👦 Families - versatile enough for salads, soups, rice-style dishes, breakfast bowls, and mixed-grain meals.