The etiquette rules on how to serve and eat quinoa. Tips to be the ideal host or the perfect guest and avoid any embarrassment.

What quinoa etiquette is

Quinoa etiquette is the set of rules to properly serve and eat quinoa. Such rules help avoid behaviors that can disrespect your hosts or guests, or make you look unpolite.

If you are hosting, follow the etiquette to serve quinoa to your guests appropriately.

As a guest, respect the etiquette rules to properly eat quinoa at the dining table and avoid offending your hosts or embarrassing yourself.

What you should know about quinoa

Quinoa is a grain-like crop, grown for its edible seeds. It is native to the Andean region of South America and has been cultivated for over 5,000 years.

Quinoa seeds are small and round, with a slightly flattened shape. They are typically beige or yellow in color, although red and black varieties are also available. Quinoa has a slightly crunchy texture and a nutty, earthy flavor.

Etiquette rules to serve and eat quinoa

1) How to store quinoa

Store quinoa in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing quinoa is between 40-50°F (4-9°C). You can store quinoa in the pantry for up to six months, in the fridge for up to a year, and in the freezer for up to two years.

Store cooked quinoa in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

2) How to clean quinoa

To clean quinoa, rinse it under cold water and rub the seeds together with your hands to remove the bitter outer coating. There are no significant risks associated with cleaning quinoa.

Signs that quinoa has turned bad include a sour smell, mold growth, or a slimy texture.

3) How to prepare & cook quinoa

You should cook quinoa before eating, as raw quinoa can be difficult to digest. To prepare quinoa, rinse it under cold water and then add it to a pot with water or broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer until the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is tender. You can cook quinoa on the stovetop or in a rice cooker. Use a saucepan or pot with a tight-fitting lid.

Quinoa is popular in dishes such as stir-fries and grain bowls. It is great for salads and sandwiches. You can also use it to make veggie burgers, breakfast bowls, and even desserts. Quinoa is suitable for guests on a vegan, keto, or paleo diet.

4) How to serve & present quinoa

Quinoa is appropriate for both formal and informal meals. You can serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can serve it as a side dish or a main course. It can also be an appetizer or dessert.

Serve quinoa warm or cold, depending on the dish. It is typical to present it in a bowl or plate and to serve it with a variety of utensils.

5) Food and wine to pair quinoa with

Quinoa pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, herbs, and spices. You can season it with salt, pepper, olive oil, and vinegar.

Quinoa pairs well with vegetables such as spinach, kale, and roasted root vegetables. It also pairs well with fruits such as berries, mangoes, and citrus. Quinoa should not be paired with vegetables or fruits that are overly sweet or sour.

Quinoa can be paired with cheese and dairy, such as feta cheese or Greek yogurt. Avoid pairing it with overly strong or pungent cheeses.

Quinoa can pair with meat, such as chicken or beef, and with fish, such as salmon or tuna. Avoid pairing it with overly salty or spicy meats or fish.

Quinoa pairs well with a variety of wines and beverages, including red and white wines, sparkling wines, and beer. Some wines that pair well with quinoa include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc.

6) How to eat quinoa

The most polite way to eat quinoa is with a fork. It is not polite to eat it with your fingers. Eat quinoa whole, there is no peel or part that you need to discard.

Quinoa etiquette: the worst mistakes

Avoid the most common quinoa etiquette mistakes:

• 8/10. Not properly rinsing quinoa before cooking.
• 7/10. Overcooking quinoa to the point where it becomes mushy.
• 6/10. Using incorrect utensils or serving dishes.

Additional information for properly serving quinoa

How many calories per serving?

Counting calories is important to stay healthy and correctly plan a menu.

One serving (1/2 cup cooked) of quinoa contains approximately 111 calories. 100 grams of cooked quinoa contains approximately 120 calories. A single quinoa grain contains negligible calories.

How to buy the best quinoa

A crucial factor in quinoa etiquette is serving your guests the best product possible.

Season and availability 

Quinoa is available all year round. The best season to buy quinoa depends on the region it is grown in.

Choose the best

The most common ways to find quinoa in commerce are dried and packaged, although it can also be found fresh or canned in some specialty stores.

Some of the most popular varieties of quinoa in commerce include white, red, and black quinoa. The most prized varieties are those that are organically grown and sustainably harvested.

When buying quinoa, it’s important to look for consistent color and texture, with no signs of discoloration or insect damage. The best quinoa will be labeled as organic and sustainably grown and will come from a reputable source.

Alternatives to quinoa

Some common alternatives to quinoa include rice, couscous, bulgur, and farro. Other grain-like foods such as buckwheat, amaranth, and millet can also be used as substitutes for quinoa.

Resources

• Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): An Overview of the Potentials of the “Golden Grain” and Socio-Economic and Environmental Aspects of Its Cultivation and Marketization: ncbi.nlm.nih.gov