Polished vs. washed quinoa
Fun Fact! Quinoa grains have a bitter saponin coating that deters birds and insects from eating them. Prior to consumption this coating must be removed through either polishing or washing. Polished quinoa grains are refined more similarly to white rice, and therefore contain half the fiber, lower protein, vitamin, and mineral levels compared to washed quinoa.
Photo © AdobeStock.com/Bjoern
Quinoa grains have a bitter saponin coating that deters birds and insects from eating them. Prior to consumption this coating must be removed through either polishing or washing. Polished quinoa grains are refined more similarly to white rice, and therefore contain half the fiber, lower protein, vitamin, and mineral levels compared to washed quinoa.
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