Quinoa
Chenopodium quinoa
Botanical family: Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae)
Chenopodium quinoa, a staple food of the Inca, Aymara, and Quechua civilisations for 5000-7000 years (Andean valleys above 3000 m). Varieties grown in France: Atlas, Pasankalla, Vikinga. Harvest from mid-August to mid-September in Anjou. Saponins in the pericarp to be removed by abundant rinsing before cooking (otherwise a bitter taste and digestive risk). Source: Bazile D. et al. (2015), State of the Art Report on Quinoa around the World, FAO.
Full sun
Light, drained
Low: fairly drought-tolerant; too much water gives tall, spindly plants with no more seed
Annual sensitive to hard frosts: it withstands light frosts, except in full bloom
An annual killed by frost in your zone
Mostly self-pollinating, with some cross-pollination
One plant is enough for a crop
Role in permaculture
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
Sown in place in spring, early if possible, from February to mid-March in Anjou so that flowering escapes the drought, and up to late April elsewhere; harvested from mid-August to mid-September, the dried grain then keeps all year.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Piva G., Brasse C., Mehinagic E. (2015), « Quinoa d'Anjou: the beginning of a French quinoa sector », chap. 6.1.2, FAO & CIRAD, State of the Art Report of Quinoa in the World in 2013 (agritrop.cirad.fr/575489/)
- Biofarm, « Fiche technique pour la culture de quinoa en agriculture biologique » (biofarm.ch/fr/mwdownloads/download/link/id/53)
- Plants For A Future, « Chenopodium quinoa » (pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Chenopodium+quinoa)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
The pericarp of the grain contains bitter-tasting saponins: an abundant rinsing under clear water before cooking is necessary (commercial varieties are often already de-saponified). Like the other Amaranthaceae (formerly Chenopodiaceae), the plant contains oxalates, to be taken into account by people prone to kidney stones. For any health question, refer to a professional.
Family behaviour: Amaranthaceae
In general, Amaranthaceae bring together leaves and roots of the same kinship (beetroot, chard, spinach, plus quinoa and amaranth). Often tolerant of poor or slightly salty soils, a legacy of their ancestors from harsh habitats, they are rather hungry for well-rotted organic matter and dislike fresh manure.
Understanding families means learning one rule per family rather than every pairing one by one. Learn more →
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: light, drained.