canihua (Chenopodium pallidicaule)

Cañihua, like quinoa, is a cereal that has great nutritional power, because it has twice the protein of common foods such as wheat, rice or oats. Its origin is in the Peruvian highlands and is produced mainly in the Puno region north of Lake Titicaca.
In this region, approximately 5,000 hectares of cañihua are planted and the average yield per hectare reaches between 750 and 800 kilos. It should be noted that this grain is produced at an altitude between 3,500 to 4,200 meters above sea level.
 
It is a crop that successfully faces frost, drought and low temperatures. It is a good nutritional alternative, especially for children and the elderly, since it stands out for its excellent quality of proteins and minerals. Specialists recommend including this cereal in the diet, as they are an important source of energy and insoluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol due to its low glyceric index.