Quinoa (Keen-wah) (Chenopodium Quinoa) was a widely used grain by the Incas and has been grown in the Andes for centuries. The Quechua name for Quinoa translates as "the mother grain" or "super grain". The United Nations World Health Organization observes that Quinoa is closer to the ideal protein balance than any other grain. Quinoa is equivalent to milk in protein and is high in Vitamin B, Vitamin E, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. It's also high in essential amino acids. Quinoa has recently become popular in the U.S. due to not only it's unique texture and flavor, but also its nutritional superiority. When cooked, the thin germ circlet falls from the seed and remains crunchy while the grain, pearly and translucent, melts in your mouth. Quinoa has a slight nutty flavor and is a good substitute for couscous or bulghur in many dishes.