{"product_id":"quinoa","title":"Quinoa","description":"\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"898\" data-start=\"430\"\u003eQuinoa is a beautiful and versatile annual grown for both its edible seeds and nutrient-rich leaves. Young leaves can be eaten like spinach, while mature seed heads can be harvested, dried, and prepared like rice or millet. An ancient staple of Latin-American diets, quinoa is celebrated for being high in protein, gluten-free, and packed with essential nutrients. Its colourful seed heads also make it a decorative addition to any edible landscape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1139\" data-start=\"900\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"930\" data-start=\"900\"\u003eWhere Can You Grow Quinoa?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"933\" data-start=\"930\"\u003eBest suited to Zones 4–9, quinoa thrives in full sun and well-drained, moderately fertile soil. It performs well in poor soils and withstands drought, making it ideal for water-wise gardens or dry climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1478\" data-start=\"1141\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1172\" data-start=\"1141\"\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1175\" data-start=\"1172\"\u003eQuinoa (pronounced keen-wah) has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in the Andes, where it was known as the “mother grain” by the Inca people. Traditionally used in stews, porridges, and breads, its recent popularity as a superfood has brought this ancient grain back into modern gardens and kitchens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1770\" data-start=\"1480\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1509\" data-start=\"1480\"\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"1512\" data-start=\"1509\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1526\" data-start=\"1512\"\u003eZones 8-9:\u003c\/strong\u003e Direct sow in early spring after last frost; thrives in warm, dry summers.\u003cbr data-end=\"1604\" data-start=\"1601\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1618\" data-start=\"1604\"\u003eZones 5-7:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow late spring in full sun; avoid heavy rain during seed maturation.\u003cbr data-end=\"1691\" data-start=\"1688\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1703\" data-start=\"1691\"\u003eZones 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e Start indoors in early spring and transplant out after last frost.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1770\" data-start=\"1480\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2207\" data-start=\"1772\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1772\"\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Quinoa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2207\" data-start=\"1772\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1822\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1cm (½in) deep, spaced 30-45cm (12-18in) apart. Thin seedlings to allow airflow.\u003cbr data-end=\"1916\" data-start=\"1913\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1929\" data-start=\"1916\"\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep moist until established; drought-tolerant once growing.\u003cbr data-end=\"1993\" data-start=\"1990\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2008\" data-start=\"1993\"\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest seed heads when they change colour and resist indentation. Cut and hang to dry, then thresh and winnow seeds.\u003cbr data-end=\"2129\" data-start=\"2126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2145\" data-start=\"2129\"\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimal maintenance; avoid overwatering and weed competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2572\" data-start=\"2209\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2247\" data-start=\"2209\"\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2572\" data-start=\"2209\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2270\" data-start=\"2250\"\u003eAllow to Mature:\u003c\/strong\u003e Leave seed heads on the plant until dry and firm.\u003cbr data-end=\"2323\" data-start=\"2320\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2335\" data-start=\"2323\"\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut stalks and dry upside down in a sheltered space.\u003cbr data-end=\"2391\" data-start=\"2388\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2411\" data-start=\"2391\"\u003eClean and Store:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rub to release seeds, winnow to remove chaff, and store in airtight containers.\u003cbr data-end=\"2494\" data-start=\"2491\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2511\" data-start=\"2494\"\u003eStorage Life:\u003c\/strong\u003e Properly dried quinoa seeds can remain viable for 4–6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"2653\" data-start=\"2574\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2598\" data-start=\"2574\"\u003eCertified Organic By\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"2601\" data-start=\"2598\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"2653\" data-start=\"2601\"\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48811188650226,"sku":"MF-GRAIN-004","price":4.76,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0698\/4106\/0082\/files\/Quinoa.jpg?v=1772481901","url":"https:\/\/homeandwell.ca\/fr\/products\/quinoa","provider":"Home \u0026 Well ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}