Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds. It technically isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal. In other words, it is basically a “seed” that is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

1. Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. They referred to it as the “mother of all grains” because the Incas believed it increased the stamina of their warriors.
2. NASA has proposed quinoa as an ideal food for long-duration space flights.
3. There are roughly 120 known varieties of quinoa, according to the Whole Grains Council. 
4. The outer hull of quinoa seeds is covered with Saponin, a naturally occurring organic compound that protects quinoa from insects and birds. Saponin is a bitter, resin-like substance that forms a soapy solution in water. It must be removed before cooking and eating or the quinoa can have a strong, bitter flavor that some people find unpleasant. Andean families have traditionally used the saponin-filled wash water from quinoa as a shampoo. Saponin has also been used to make detergents, toothpaste, and even antibiotics!