Agro-nutritionnel Characterisation of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, Willd.)

Abstract

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) originated in the Andean region of South America; is a dicotyledonous species for seeds and, therefore, is not known as a cereal grain and is a pseudograin, which is introduced nowadays as a new crop in the world. Quinoa is an annual herbaceous plant belongs to Amaranthaceae family, but formerly placed in Chenopodiaceae family. It’s well adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions and has significant potential for increased production as a new crop in the Mediterranean region and in other parts of the world, including northern Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. Quinoa is associated with exceptional grain nutritional quality and is highly valued for its ability to tolerate abiotic stresses. The protein content of quinoa grains is higher than other cereals while it has better distribution of essential amino acids. It can be used as an alternative to milk proteins. Additionally, quinoa contains a high amount of essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, dietary fibers, and carbohydrates with beneficial hypoglycemic effects while being gluten-free. e. In addition, it is found to contain a number of bioactive chemical compounds whose various therapeutic properties are actively studied in the scientific field. Quinoa is sought in several industries whether it is the food industry, pharmacology, cosmetics, etc., as a plant (use of leaves, seeds, or stem) or these extracts (saponins, vegetable oil and essential).