Quinoa is very nutrient-rich and relatively easy to grow in your own garden. However, it is important to pay attention to the right time when harvesting. Find out when and how to harvest quinoa below.
When and how do you harvest quinoa?
Quinoa is harvested between mid-August and mid-October, depending on the sowing and variety. Cut the stalks below the ears and dry the ears hanging upside down. The grains can then be separated from the plants by threshing or grating.
When is quinoa harvested?
Quinoa is best grown in mid/late April. Depending on the variety, the Andean grain has a development period of 120 to 210 days. This means that the harvest time is between mid-August and mid-October, depending on the sowing and variety. Ideally, the grain dries on the plant. This can be seen from the fact that the grains no longer look fresh green but rather dry and brownish. In any case, you should harvest the Inca grain before the weather gets dirty wet, otherwise it can get moldy.
How is quinoa harvested?
If you've decided it's time to harvest your quinoa, here's how to do it:
- Cut the stalks below the ears with secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) or a scythe.
- Load the large ears of grain onto a wheelbarrow or similar for transport.
- Hang the ears of grain upside down under a roof to dry.
Drying quinoa after harvesting
Drying the quinoa is the be-all and end-all of harvesting. As I said, it is best to wait until the grain has dried thoroughly before harvesting, but even then there will be some residual moisture. Therefore, you should always hang quinoa to dry for a few days after harvesting.
Separate quinoa grains from the plant
In Peru, the quinoa plants are traditionally literally beaten: The dried plants are placed on a plastic sheet and threshed with wooden sticks until all the grains have fallen off the plant. You are welcome to try this or you can roll the individual ears of corn over a bowl between your hands and loosen the grains a little less aggressively.
Water before preparing
Quinoa contains many bitter substances that affect the otherwise nutty aroma. To reduce the bitter flavor, quinoa is soaked overnight. You should definitely pour off the soaking water as the bitter substances are concentrated here. Soaking also reduces cooking time. If you want to get even more nutrients out of your quinoa, you can make quinoa sprouts. You can find out how to do this and delicious recipes here.
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Nutritional values of quinoa
Quinoa is considered a superfood. Why? Because it contains many valuable nutrients. 100g cooked quinoa contains, among other things:
- Protein: 4, 4g
- Fiber: 2.8g
- Calcium: 17mg
- Iron: 1, 49mg
- Magnesium: 64mg
- Phosphorus: 152mg
- Potassium: 172mg
- Sodium: 7mg
- Zinc: 1.09mg
