{"product_id":"quinoa","title":"Quinoa Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eQuinoa is an annual plant that is both beautiful and versatile, grown for its edible seeds and nutrient-rich leaves. The young leaves can be eaten like spinach, while the mature seed heads can be harvested, dried, and cooked like rice or millet. An ancestral staple in Latin America, quinoa is recognized for its high protein content, gluten-free nature, and abundant essential nutrients. Its colorful seed heads also make it a decorative plant in edible gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWhere can quinoa be grown?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuinoa is adapted to zones 4 to 9 and prefers full sun as well as well-drained and moderately fertile soil. It tolerates poor soils and drought, making it ideal for water-wise gardens or dry climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHistory and Traditional Uses\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eQuinoa (pronounced \"keen-wah\") has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in the Andes, where it was called \"the mother of all grains\" by the Incas. Traditionally used in soups, porridges, and breads, it has recently gained popularity as a superfood, thus reclaiming its place in modern gardens and kitchens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eZone Information for Canada\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow in early spring after the last frost; thrives during hot, dry summers.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Sow in late spring in full sun; avoid heavy rains during seed maturation.\u003cbr\u003eZone 4: Start indoors in early spring then transplant after the 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\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Quinoa\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 1 cm (½ in) deep, spaced 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in) apart. Thin plants to promote good air circulation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep the soil moist until established; then it tolerates drought well.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest seed heads when they change color and resist pressure. Cut and hang to dry, then thresh and winnow the seeds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaintenance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Very low maintenance; avoid overwatering and weed competition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTips for Saving Seeds for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow seed heads to dry completely on the plant.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvest:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cut stems and hang them upside down in a sheltered area to dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCleaning and Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rub to release seeds, winnow to remove debris, then store in an airtight container.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eShelf Life:\u003c\/strong\u003e Properly dried seeds remain viable for 4 to 6 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644644221296,"sku":"MF-GRAIN-004","price":16.0,"currency_code":"AED","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/Quinoa_2e2ff85d-1c86-4ed5-8ec2-de25af557315.jpg?v=1776549341","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-ae\/products\/quinoa","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}