Quinoa could become major crop in area

Quinoa is quickly becoming a popular health food. In fact, local growers have started planting quinoa, which could mean some big changes to our area when it comes to availability and pricing.

“It’s a little bit pricier than some of the other grains or grain substitutes,” said Dr. Linda Rankin, associate dean of the ISU Division of Health Sciences. “I think it would be fantastic if it were grown locally, and then maybe people in this area would use it more. And that would dietitians happy.”

Quinoa is a seed, and dieticians consider it a super-food because it contains full proteins and amino acids. For people with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance, quinoa is one substitute. But the gluten part is where dietitians start to disagree.

“There’s multiple different colors and kinds,” said Chelcee Brown, Integrated Whole Health Therapies, “but the nutritional differences are no different.”

Two experts in Pocatello said while quinoa is good, it shouldn’t be the only thing you eat and it shouldn’t replace gluten unless you have a problem.

“I mean, if people feel better, they may be gluten intolerant,” said Rankin. “It’s sort of the diet of the moment, and it’s not necessarily the best choice for a lot of people.”

While Rankin said gluten is fine, another dietitian said the way it’s processed in North America takes away nutrients and makes it hard for the body to process.

“Wheat is a really important grain to our diet. It provides a lot of B vitamins, and grains provide a lot of nutrients,” said Chelcee Brown, But they need to be properly broken down.”

Currently, 14 Idaho growers in Soda Springs, Preston, American Falls and Blackfoot are raising small fields of quinoa, mostly under irrigation.