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canihua

Scientific Name: Chenopodium pallidicaule

Family: Chenopodiaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Chenopodium pallidicaule: An Ancient Andean Grain

Chenopodium pallidicaule, commonly known as qaiwa, qaawa, or qaawi (and often hispanicized as caihua, canihua, caahua, caahui, kaniwa, or kaiwa), is a highly nutritious seed crop hailing from the Andes.

Considerations for Pets

While the text doesn't explicitly mention toxicity, it's worth noting that Chenopodium pallidicaule produces seeds. Always consult with a veterinarian before introducing new foods into your pet's diet.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Chenopodium pallidicaule
  • Common Names: qaiwa, qaawa, qaawi, caihua, canihua, caahua, caahui, kaniwa, kaiwa, Baby Quinoa
  • Family: Fuchsschwanzgewchse (Amaranthaceae - inferred from relationship to Quinoa and Amaranth)

Distribution and Habitat

  • This plant is native to the Andes region, specifically Peru and Bolivia.
  • It thrives at high elevations, growing up to 4,200 meters above sea level.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Chenopodium pallidicaule is an annual plant, reaching a height of approximately 0.6 meters (2 feet).
  • It flowers from July to October, with seeds ripening from August to October.
  • The plant exhibits wide genetic diversity, with variations in plant form ranging from erect (Lasta) to creeping (Saigua).

Ecological Role

  • The plant displays wide genetic diversity, in plant and seed color and earliness.

Quirky Facts

  • Some people find that canihua has a chocolate-like taste.
  • It's often referred to as "Baby Quinoa" due to its smaller seed size.

Nutritional Value

  • Canihua is considered a superfood due to its high protein content (15-19%), rich in lysine, isoleucine, and tryptophan.
  • It is also a good source of flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals.

Culinary Uses

  • The seeds are used in the preparation of various food dishes.

Further Information

  • Real Foods offers organic canihua for purchase.
  • Ceres Organics in New Zealand distributes organic canihua products.
  • MyFitnessPal.com's food database contains nutrition facts for Schnitzer Bio Canihua.