24 replies to this topic

[thevalerieleigh]

Trying to make some changes to my diet and it looks like quinoia (spelling?) is a good option. Can't find it at Superlake, local health food stores nor the organic market. Anyone have a good source locally?

Thanks,
Valerie

[suz]

I would check in the store next to Gossips Restaurant on the carratera. If not, the health food store across from El Torito on the mountain side should have it or he will bring it from Guad for you.

[Ellie]

Super Lake has carried it - but I've bought it recently at WalMart. Both quinoa flour and flakes available in the imported food section back by the seafood.

[manny]

val, the quinoa @that health food store was harvested for animals. this grain is not eaten by humans in mexico. i bought some there, then spoke to the owner. (who told me this). superlake sells it, imported from USA in boxes. its expensive, & they dont always have it. brown rice is a better alternative. it is sold in bags in back of superlake near the nuts& beans. also in other bags from the usa, near the cereals. either one is good.

[ChrisB]

I have seen it at Superlake but stuff comes...stuff goes. Barley, like the brown rice is a good substitute.

[thevalerieleigh]

Thanks for the input. I did try those places (except Walmart) but with no luck. I think I will take your advice and go with brown rice and barley 'til my Mom visits later this month. I went online and ordered an 8 lb. bag for about $40. Looks like I'll need to add that to my "wish" list for upcoming visitors in the future, LOL!
Valerie

[ajijiccharlie]

I was just at Superlake--they have a number of different kinds and distributors of quinoa, and they have had it every time I've looked for it. They moved it from the hot cereal section to the rice section. I know it's more expensive than wherever you lived before, but you don't live there anymore.

[borderreiver]

Here's where it get's truly weird. Check out <www.truroots.com>. Here, at my local Costco, I can purchase organic Chia seeds - 2# bag - $C9. They also have quinoa, at about the same price (didn't really notice - not a big quinoa fan, not that there's anything wrong with it). I can just max out more nutrients with chia in my am. smoothie, is all. I was paying $US7/# for chia seeds in Chapala (no idea of origin, quality, etc.) And I thought that was a great deal. I love Chia seeds. Google it and check out the nutrient values vis a vis quinoa and check out the recipe suggestions. I put it in my fried chicken batter. xtra crunch. Yumyum. There are a lot of marketing efforts regarding chia seeds. I will mention " Mila" where a pound of ground up chia seeds seems to cost about $US45/#. More luck to them, their distributors, punters, and the person next door. $C4.50 vs $US45/#. Don't get me started on canola oil.

[Cari]

I have found quinoa tough to get in Mexico, even in other cities. I bring mine in from up North any opportunity I can get. What is very common and abundant in Mexico, however, which is akin to quinoa is amaranth (amaranto). You can find this nearly everywhere. It's a "puffed" version, but amaranth is one grain that maintains most of it's nutritional value, even under high heat. It's very versatile and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, granola, muesli, salads, etc.

The Aztecs were big on amaranth and the Incas on quinoa, but many consider these two grains like brother and sister--both contain more protein that is complete than other grains.

Another very nutritional grain I found locally recently is millet. I don't know the exact address, but I purchased it (inexpensive) in a store that is a block or two up from the Farmacia Guadalajara (going towards Ajiic) on the same side of the street, there is a corner store there that sells seeds, nuts, spices, etc.

[Mad_Max]

As of yesterday afternoon, Superlake had a lot. I was looking at a number of things - so quessing that it was with the rice - perhaps 2/3 or 3/4 down the aisle towards the freezers. They had probably 3 or 4 different quinoa product's - as I recall small bags - like small bags of flour - and a smaller amount in a bottle. If it is not there, ask one of the clerks if Pancho is not there. As the pronounciation may be different - probably best to write it down.

[Ellie]

I bought both quinoa flour and flakes a while ago and have been making the muffin recipe on one of the packages. Uses mashed bananas and the usual dry ingredients.
They're ok - add some cinnamon or nutmeg for a little more flavor.

There is a vendor at the organic market with amaranth products - the chocolate/amaranth candy is yummy. I limited myself to two 'cause they wouldn't last long in this house.

[manny]

val i made a mistake. it was MILLET that is NOT eaten by mexican humans. so stay away from the little store next to gossips. dont get the millet there. they dont have quinoa anyway, just brown rice & maybe barley. superlake is the best bet, they usually have alot of everything. & boxes of imported millet, sometimes boxes of kasha (wolffs). i just bought brown rice there for 15.50 pesos per kilo. (huge bag for 17. pesos). be patient w/them, deliveries come in from day to day. the inventory changes.

[Trailrunner]

stay away from the little store next to gossips

Really? Stay away from? Why should we stay away from that store, manny?

[lakeheron]

There is no certainty that you can get grains and seeds through Mexican customs anymore, especially when coming in by plane. Customs has been confiscating bags of rice and other grains lately.

[lakeheron]

For the vegan or vegetarian quinoa does provide more protein than brown rice. But they are both low in fat and high in fiber. I buy the expensive quinoa at SL for my parrots.

[manny]

trailrunner if you want to start a fight i suggest you choose the other forum, inside lake chapala. they have an octagon section. re read my posts. stay away from the millet @ store near gossips. if you want that millet be my guest. it is for livestock.

[RVGRINGO]

Time for a walk in the sunshine?

[thevalerieleigh]

Thanks again for the input. I did buy some online and my Mom is visiting later this month and will bring it. It was priced at roughly $43 for 8 lbs. I will check again at SL for future purchases when I don't have someone bringing it down.
I am eager to try it in place of rice...Working on getting that healthier lifestyle in high gear, LOL!
Valerie

[Trailrunner]

Good for you, Valerie, on your new eating plan!

Quinoa is good and very versatile, remember to rinse it off well before cooking to eliminate the slightly bitter taste.

Provecho

[miomama]

Organic Canadian quinoa will be available at the Monday market at the Hole in One. $80 pesos for 500grams (17.6 oz). Look for the table selling sourdough bread and bagels. I checked Superlake today and their 12oz packages (non-organic) is priced at over $100.

I cooked up the Canadian quinoa today and everyone in the family enjoyed them. It was the first time for both the eight and five year old boys and both gave their thumbs up.