Quinoa

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa; (/ˈkiːnwɑː/ or /kɪˈnoʊ.ə/, from Quechua kinwa or kinuwa)^[2] is a species of goosefoot (Chenopodium). It is a grain-like crop grown primarily for its edible seeds.

Quinoa
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Amaranthaceae
Genus:	Chenopodium
Species:	C. quinoa
Binomial name
Chenopodium quinoa Willd.
Natural distribution in red, Cultivation in green
Synonyms[1]
Chenopodium canihua O.F.Cook Chenopodium ccoyto Toro Torr. Chenopodium ccuchi-huila Toro Torr. Chenopodium chilense Pers. nom. inval. Chenopodium guinoa Krock. Chenopodium nuttalliae Saff.

Quinoa is not a real cereal, or grain, but more of a vegetable, as it is not a member of the grass family. As a chenopod, quinoa is closely related to species such as beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds. Its leaves are also eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth. Quinoa greens are not widely available for purchase. Quinoa gives high quality protein and other nutrients. It has been called a 'superfood'.^[3]

In February 2018, Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak was mocked by the opposition for saying he no longer eats rice and now eats quinoa, which he claimed is healthier. He said his son introduced him to quinoa. Opposition leaders, including Mahathir Mohamad, criticized him for choosing the expensive quinoa, with Mahathir tweeting, "I only eat local rice."^[4]

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
  Chenopodium quinoa -red faro- - Museum specimen