Amaranth, quinoa and cañihua: the 3 seeds that will save the world

Amaranth, quinoa and canehua, here are three seeds from the Andes that can save the world. In fact, they represent a very precious source of essential amino acids and their cultivation can take place in adverse climatic conditions, without resorting to herbicides and pesticides.

He is about to end up run over, his mother saves him

Amaranth, Quinoa e canihua, here are three seeds from the Andes that can save the world. In fact they represent a very valuable source of essential amino acids and their cultivation can take place in adverse weather conditions, without resorting to herbicides and pesticides.





Amaranth was considered the gold of the Incas and along with quinoa and cañihua it constitutes the basic foodstuffs of the South American populations living in the Andean highlands. Amaranth and quinoa in recent years they have spread to other countries around the world. They can be useful for varying our diet. Let's find out what are the characteristics of these foods and why they can help save the world.

Index

Amaranth

In recent times, amaranth has been talked about as protagonist of a real natural crusade against GMO crops di Monsanto. Amaranth is a very resistant plant that is able to invade fields cultivated with GMO soybeans. In fact, amaranth, which is potentially a weed, is able to resist the powerful herbicide Roundup based on glyphosate which is normally used as a herbicide in agriculture.

In addition to being able to resist one of the most harmful herbicides used in agriculture, amaranth stands out for its rich in vitamins, in particular of vitamin A and vitamin C, and for its protein content. The cultivation of amaranth is able to withstand climatic adversities very well.

Amaranth, quinoa and cañihua: the 3 seeds that will save the world

Amaranth plants are not affected by particular diseases and know how to defend themselves from insects in a natural way. Amaranth is proof that super resistant seeds already exist in nature and that the world therefore does not need to use GMOs to improve crops and increase yields.

Read also: AMARANTH: 10 RECIPES TO ENJOY IT AT THE BEST


Quinoa Salad

FAO has declared 2013 the 'International Year of Quinoa' ​​to underline that for centuries this "pseudo-cereal" has been the basis of the diet of the peasant populations of the Andes and that it now deserves to be rediscovered. There Quinoa it is a very resistant crop and it is also the only food capable of supplying our body in adequate quantities on its own all essential amino acids that it needs to get from food to make protein.


In recent years the consumption of quinoa it is becoming popular outside of South America and doubts are starting to arise about the sustainability of its large-scale cultivation to meet the growth in demand.

Amaranth, quinoa and cañihua: the 3 seeds that will save the world

However, there is a very simple solution to make sure you have a sustainable and environmentally friendly quinoa available. It's about choosing the fair trade quinoa, whose production protects the territory and the populations, allowing the farmers to get out of poverty.

Read also: QUINOA: PROPERTIES, USES AND WHERE TO FIND IT

Cañihua

Cañahua or cañihua, have you ever heard of it? It is an annual herbaceous plant similar to quinoa in appearance and for the richness of amino acids. From a nutritional point of view it has a high protein content and a low fat intake. It grows very well in the high mountains and tolerates low temperatures.


It is a very resistant crop. Unlike quinoa, however, this plant it does not contain saponins, an advantageous feature from the cooking point of view. Quinoa instead contains saponins and for this reason it must be rinsed before cooking it in order to eliminate the substances that would give it a bitter taste. Its cultivation and use take place on a small scale and exclusively locally in Peru and Bolivia.

Amaranth, quinoa and cañihua: the 3 seeds that will save the world


the cañihua it is native of the Andes and its cultivation is very promising since this plant is able to resist frost, pests, diseases and drought. Its multiple stamina and its nutritional characteristics make it a safe and beneficial food for families living on the Bolivian plateau. In this way, even the poorest populations have access to food. The cultivation of cañihua it does not need pesticides, is sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Marta Albè

Read also:

AMARANTO, THE INCA'S TREASURE AGAINST MONSANTO GMOs

QUINOA BURGER: 10 VEGETABLE RECIPES FOR ALL TASTE

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