It wasn’t until last year that quinoa became widely recognized as an ingredient to be used in cooking. In fashion terms, it became "trendy" to be seen eating the seed rather than its common counterpart, rice. For the most part, quinoa has been used to replace the whole grain due to its high protein count and health benefits but is still making headlines as it continues to impress researchers and chefs around with its organic and beneficial qualities.

History: While it was once a common food item in the Andes region of South America, the seed has traveled farther than the boundaries of its native continent. Quinoa was originally one of the few crops that the Incas cultivated in their high altitude territories, according to About.com.

Pronounced "KEEN-wah," the name is derived from the Spanish spelling of the word kinwa in the South American language

Quechua. The seed originates from the regions of Ecuador, Bolivia, Columbia, and Peru and has been shown to have been domesticated as far as 3-4,000 years ago.

While most quinoa consumed in the Unites States still comes from South America – Peru being the largest commercial producer – some commercial production has begun to take shape. The Colorado Rockies have been used to produce quinoa while some production has also occurred in California, Washington, Advertisement

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In cooking: Quinoa is a very versatile ingredient that can be used in a plethora of recipes. You can combine the seed with nuts and fruits to make porridge, replace pasta with quinoa for a twist in your favorite dish, or ground quinoa to make flour and add it to cookie or muffin recipes.

Benefits: Quinoa is particularly known for its boundless health benefits it provides. Not only is it an excellent source of protein, fiber, and iron, but it is also gluten-free and cholesterol-free. It only takes 63 calories’ worth of quinoa to provide 1 gram of fat, and most of that fat is considered heart healthy. Current research has also shown that quinoa has the ability to reduce inflammation levels. The list of benefits that quinoa provides is endless.

Storage: When purchasing quinoa, verify that no moisture is present. Also, be sure to keep in mind that the seed expands during the cooking process to several times its original size. When storing, choose an airtight container to place quinoa in. When stored in the refrigerator, quinoa will stay fresh for approximately three to six months longer than usual.

Fun Fact: Although they look similar, quinoa has more in common with beets, spinach, and tumbleweeds rather than rice as it is in the chenopod family.