GreenFood50® Quinoa Puffs

Quinoa Variety & Sustainability The quinoa used as raw material for the GreenFood50® Quinoa Puffs is grown sustainably, without pesticides, in the Netherlands. The quinoa varieties used, were developed by Wageningen University & Research (non-GMO). These new varieties are adjusted to the Dutch growing conditions and have the particularity that they are low in saponin (<0.11%). Saponin is a bitter substance, and traditional varieties in the Andes may contain saponin levels of up to 5%. As our varieties are low in saponin there is no need to remove the outer layer from the seeds (by polishing, washing and drying) which keeps the seeds wholegrain. Moreover, this saves water and energy during processing and has the advantage that natural flavour and nutrients are retained. Instead of importing quinoa from the Andes, quinoa grown in the Netherlands contributes to the ‘local for local’ principle, improves the availability of quinoa at affordable price levels and reduces transport emissions. This results in an LCA score of 0.7 kg CO2-eq per kg quinoa. Nutritional Aspects Quinoa is the most nutrient-dense 'pseudo-grain' in the world. The protein composition is very balanced with all the essential amino acids present, in an almost perfect balance, especially the lysine, methionine and (iso)leucine levels. The proteins, therefore, have a 100% Amino Acid Score for adults. With a digestibility of 92%, this results in a PDCAAS of 92%. Moreover, our wholegrain quinoa is high in dietary fibre, as it contains 7 g of fibre per 100 g. Quinoa is high in vitamins B1, B9 (folate) and E and is a source of vitamin B6. Moreover, it is also high in minerals iron, phosphor and magnesium and is a source of zinc. Our quinoa contains predominantly unsaturated omega 3/6/9 fatty acids (>80% of oil) and is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Quinoa also has a low glycaemic index. Additionally, quinoa is suitable for gluten-free and EU-14 allergen-free products.