Quinoa (pronounced Keen-wah) Quinoa is one of the oldest foods and has been cultivated since 3000 BC. The Ancient Incas called Quinoa "Mother Grain" and felt it was sacred. Quinoa was used to feed the Incan armies, which marched for many days eating a mixture of quinoa and fat, known as "war balls." Quinoa is not technically a grain but is the seed of the Goosefoot plant. It is loaded in protein and most B Vitamins and is good source for Vitamin E. It contains enough protein that about 1/2 cup will provide a child's protein for the day! Quinoa is also gluten-free making it the perfect addition to a gluten-free diet or any diet. One researcher has said that "while no single food can supply all of the essential life sustaining nutrients, it comes as close as any other in the vegetable or animal kingdoms."