Quinoa: what the plant looks like, useful properties and uses, harvesting

Quinoa is a herbaceous annual crop from the Marev family. There are a large number of varieties of this plant, which differ in the form of a shrub, semi-shrub or grass. At the same time, many people are interested in what the quinoa looks like, what are its beneficial properties and the use of the plant. Quinoa is often considered a weed, but in fact it contains many valuable components.

Description and appearance of grass

Quinoa is a culture that belongs to the Marev family and has about 300 varieties. The people call the plant white marya. The grass can be annual or perennial.

There are varieties covered with fine hairs. Over time, this layer is destroyed, as a result of which a white coating forms on the stems. The leaves are sessile or petiolate, entire or serrated. Same-sex flowers resemble a spikelet panicle in appearance.

This culture can be monoecious or dioecious. Male flowers contain 5 lobes and stamens, female flowers include 2 leafy bracts, but do not have a perianth. They can be distinguished by the ovary, which has a shortened style and 2 stigmas.

Growth area

Quinoa is considered an unpretentious plant that is found near forest belts and in fields. The culture also grows in the steppes and forest-steppes. As for the distribution area, it is quite wide. The plant is found in Australia, Eurasia, North America.

Popular species

The most common types of quinoa include the following:

1. Spreading - has medicinal properties and high nutritional value. This culture has a straight branched stem, the height of which reaches 30-150 centimeters. The plant is characterized by diamond-shaped leaves, similar to a spear. They are attached to the trunk with petioles. The flowers are spikelets of a light green hue. Flowering culture occurs in June-July. In August, flat black seeds are formed on the bushes. The variety is actively used in cooking. It can also be used as animal feed.
2. Garden - has straight branched stems that reach a height of 1.5 meters. This variety of quinoa has pointed, matte leaves that are distinguished by a green or dark red tint. Their edges may be smooth or serrated. Flowering garden quinoa continues throughout the summer. Before the formation of spikelets, the culture has a more pleasant taste. This plant is used for ornamental and agricultural purposes.
3. Small-flowered - characterized by straight stems that reach a height of 1 meter. On numerous branches of the bush there are characteristic stripes. The leaves often cover the villi. The flowering of this culture falls in the second half of summer. The plant is used in cooking. It can also be used as livestock feed.
4. Coastal - characterized by straight stems of medium length. Their size does not exceed 70 centimeters. The leaves are characterized by a lanceolate shape. At the same time, panicle flowers are formed on the bushes in July-August. This plant is often used in cooking.
5. Tatar - stem height ranges from 10 to 100 centimeters. The plant has oval-shaped leaves with serrated edges. Flowering starts quite early. In the first half of June, the first spikelets appear on the bushes. The plant is used in cooking and agriculture.

Chemical composition of the plant

Although quinoa is considered a simple and undemanding plant, it contains 17 amino acids that are very important for the human body. Also in the grass there are approximately 30% of protein elements - proteins.

The composition of the quinoa includes the following components:

• alkaloids;
• fiber;
• fats;
• carbs;
• B vitamins;
• essential oils – saponins in particular;
• vitamins C, A, E, PP;
• micro- and macroelements - contains potassium, manganese, sodium, zinc, potassium.

The leaves of the culture also include carotene and ascorbic acid. Due to its rich chemical composition, the culture can be used as a vegetable or medicine that does not have side effects.

Useful properties

Quinoa improves digestion, improves kidney he alth and has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels. In addition, the plant has such useful properties:

1. Strengthening of bone tissue - is achieved due to the presence of phosphorus, potassium and magnesium in the composition. Quinoa also contains a lot of calcium, which is good for bones, and a large amount of protein, which is good for muscle tissue. The systematic use of grass helps to avoid the development of osteoporosis.
2. Improve the functioning of the cardiovascular system - due to the presence of iron, quinoa helps maintain the desired level of red blood cells in the blood and normalizes hemoglobin parameters. Potassium and fiber have a positive effect on the work of the heart and remove harmful cholesterol from the body. Also, these substances contribute to the normalization of blood circulation.
3. Improve brain function - achieved through the content of copper, iron and zinc. Also, the plant has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
4. Elimination of diseases of the oral cavity - the plant successfully copes with inflammation of the gums. In addition, quinoa-based products help to eliminate pathologies of the upper respiratory tract.
5. Diuretic action - the herb stimulates urination, cleanses the kidneys, removes water, toxins and s alts from the body.
6. Relief of menstrual pain - due to the antispasmodic properties of the plant.
7. Slowing down the aging process - due to the presence of antioxidants in the composition, which lead to the active synthesis of natural collagen. Vitamin C also takes part in the development of connective tissues and prevents the appearance of wrinkles.

In addition, the presence of antioxidants in the composition of the plant helps to avoid cancer. With their help, it is possible to neutralize the action of free radicals that destroy cells.

Contraindications

Quinoa-based preparations require strict adherence to the dosage. If the recommended amount is exceeded, there is a risk of negative consequences, which manifest themselves in the form of skin rashes, fever, diarrhea. If there is a tendency to allergies, during the use of quinoa, it is imperative to carefully monitor your condition. If negative symptoms occur, the use of the herb should be stopped immediately and an antihistamine should be taken.

Expert opinionZarechny Maxim ValerievichAgronomist with 12 years of experience. Our best gardening expert.Ask a QuestionAlso, the plant has certain contraindications. It should not be used for urolithiasis, gallstones and gout.

Medical prescriptions

On the basis of quinoa, you can prepare a variety of products that have pronounced medicinal properties.

Tincture

To prepare this remedy, you need to take 2 tablespoons of crushed leaves and pour a glass of water.The composition is recommended to infuse in a dark place for 2 weeks. From time to time, the tincture should be shaken. After straining, it is recommended to take a drink of 1 small spoon per day.

Juice

To make juice, fresh stems need to be washed, peeled and ground with a meat grinder. The resulting puree should be put on cheesecloth and squeeze the juice by hand. To 50 grams of the resulting liquid, add 1 tablespoon of honey. The amount received is enough for a day.

Decoction

To make a he althy decoction from the seeds, you should use the seeds of the sprawling quinoa. To do this, pour 1 tablespoon of raw materials with 300 milliliters of boiling water, cool and strain. The resulting decoction should be taken three times a day, 2 tablespoons. The course of treatment should last 1 week.

To make a decoction for external use, you need to take fresh or dried raw materials. In this case, the proportions are not so important. Quinoa is recommended to pour boiling water or just boil for 5 minutes.

A decoction of the leaves can be used internally or externally. For 20 grams of raw materials, you need to take 1 cup of boiling water. Leaves are recommended to brew and hold for 2 hours in a warm place. Then the liquid should be filtered and drink 100 grams twice a day. This should be done before meals.

Use in traditional medicine

Quinoa has pronounced medicinal properties, which makes it possible to use it for the treatment of various pathologies:

1. Constipation - to normalize the stool, you should use the infusions of the plant. To do this, you need to take 4 tablespoons of herbs in a glass of water and boil for a quarter of an hour over low heat. The finished product should be cooled and filtered. Take the composition of 1 glass 3 times a day before meals.
2. Cough - in this case, it is permissible to use dried leaves and stems. At the same time, 1 tablespoon of raw materials should be poured with 300 milliliters of boiling water and infused for 2 hours. The resulting remedy is taken before meals. Single dosage is 3 sips.
3. Pain in the joints - it is enough to steam the leaves and wrap them with gauze. The compress should be applied to problem areas.

Use in cooking

Most often, quinoa is used fresh for salads. Also, dried and chopped grass can be added to bread. This helps extend the shelf life of your baked goods and helps them bake better.

Quinoa seeds can be added to porridge. It can also be mixed with herbs and boiled eggs to prepare fillings for pies. In addition, it is permissible to harvest the grass for the future - to dry, s alt, freeze or pickle.

Use in cosmetology

Quinoa has a pronounced rejuvenating effect on the skin. Herbs can be used to make effective masks that have a moisturizing and nourishing effect. They increase skin tone and make it more elastic.

Quinoa infusion can be used for washing. To make a useful remedy, you need to pour boiling water over the grass and leave for an hour and a half. After that, the composition can be applied immediately.

To make a useful mask, it is recommended to do the following:

1. Take 1 small spoonful of chopped dry grass and pour 100 milliliters of boiling water.
2. Infuse for 30 minutes.
3. Strain through a sieve and add the same amount of milk.
4. Dip a napkin in the product and apply to cleansed face.
5. Hold for 20 minutes.

To make the mask thicker, milk can be replaced with yogurt. Sour cream is also suitable for this purpose.

Collecting and harvesting

In order for the quinoa to bring only benefits to the body, it must be properly assembled and prepared. Do not use damaged or rotten plants. Also, grass that is found along roads or near factories will not work. It is required to collect the quinoa after the start of flowering.An important condition is the absence of bright sunlight.

Quinoa needs to be carefully plucked or cut off. If you need to prepare the roots, it is recommended to dig them up, clean them from the ground and wash them. Raw materials must be dried in the fresh air or in a well-ventilated area. Store the herb in cloth bags or glass containers. The plant retains its beneficial properties for 2 years.

Quinoa is a common plant that contains a large number of valuable components. In order for the use of products based on this herb to give the desired results, it is important to strictly adhere to the dosage and follow the application patterns. It should be borne in mind that the culture is distinguished by certain contraindications for use.

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