Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is a nutritious seed that comes in a variety of colors, including black, red, yellow, and white. It has been grown for about 5,000 years and is originally from the Andean region of South America, especially in countries like Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, and Peru. Once harvested, quinoa seeds undergo processing to remove saponins, a bitter compound on their outer layer that serves as a natural pesticide. This step makes the seeds more enjoyable to eat and ready for cooking.