[eyks]

Is it only sold in health food stores? Or do you know of any large chains that sell it?

[nelie]

Large chains sell it but it'll generally be more expensive than health food stores that sell it in bulk.

It is usually in the same place as rice but would most likely be in a box container. All health food grocery type stores should have it though.

[jessy 49]

or in the "health food" section of larger grocery stores.

[ars]

At the store I use, it's located with the dried beans and rice which is located in the cultural foods area. I've only seen it in a plastic package like lentils are packed.

[2Bees]

I found it at Whole foods along with wheat berries,spelt and steel cut oats. Then I went to Wegmans (my regular store in Virginia)and saw they had it all there toot they were good-better then the dry whole wheat pitas I got.
Do you have a Trader joes? They carry boxed mixes

[wannabesomebody]

I get it at my local grocer who does have a small health food section. It's with the gluten free food which is also on the bulk food aisle.

[ennay]

Even my safeway has it in the same area as rice, beans and stuff. Near stuff like rice-a-roni

[Teachyrchildren]

My Costco now carries it, at a price that is dramatically lower than at Whole Foods or the chain grocery store. It's in a hefty sack, but I freeze half.

[nelie]

how much is the sack? How many lbs/how much does it cost?

[eyks]

Thanks ladies. Maybe I just over looked it. I'll check this weekend when I go shopping

[tymaboy]

I've never heard of it. What are its benefits?

[nelie]

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=142
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa

quinoa is an amino acid-rich (protein) seed that has a fluffy, creamy, slightly crunchy texture and a somewhat nutty flavor when cooked. Quinoa is available in your local health food stores throughout the year.

Most commonly considered a grain, quinoa is actually a relative of leafy green vegetables like spinach and Swiss chard. It is a recently rediscovered ancient "grain" once considered "the gold of the Incas."

Health Benefits

A recently rediscovered ancient "grain" native to South America, quinoa was once called "the gold of the Incas," who recognized its value in increasing the stamina of their warriors. Not only is quinoa high in protein, but the protein it supplies is complete protein, meaning that it includes all nine essential amino acids. Not only is quinoa's amino acid profile well balanced, making it a good choice for vegans concerned about adequate protein intake, but quinoa is especially well-endowed with the amino acid lysine, which is essential for tissue growth and repair. In addition to protein, quinoa features a host of other health-building nutrients. Because quinoa is a very good source of manganese as well as a good source of magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus, this "grain" may be especially valuable for persons with migraine headaches, diabetes and atherosclerosis.

You can read more by going to either link, the whfoods.org one has a lot of info on nutrition and benefits.

[lunameower]

I buy my quinoa in the bulk bins at Whole Foods, they have both the red and regular, I prefer the red, it's not very expensive at all, under $3.00 a pound, which goes very far.

[Noexcuses]

Can someone describe the difference between the red and the regular?

[RunnerChemist]

Nelie, I'll check when I get home, but I believe the Quinoa at Costco is 5 lbs for about $10. I don't remember if it's organic.

As for the red and the white, I think the difference is just varietal - nutritionally and taste wise I find them similar. I love the stuff, and it's high in protein!

ETA - 4 pound bag, $9.99 at Costco in MD.