Quinoa is one of the most popular food products around the world and has been introduced as an excellent source of protein and nutrients. Quinoa seeds are mostly grown in South America, but it should be mentioned that quinoa seeds are also commonly cultivated in some areas of Iran that have arid climates. You might be wondering what the difference is between Iranian quinoa and foreign quinoa. Join us as we examine the main differences between Iranian and foreign quinoa and talk about the advantages of both types of quinoa in this article. Stay with us until the end of the article.
What is quinoa?
As we mentioned in previous articles, quinoa is a cultivated plant that originally came from the Andes region in South America. This plant has small seeds known as quinoa. Quinoa seeds are rich in protein, fiber, and various minerals, including iron, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. It also contains essential amino acids for the human body.
Iranian quinoa
Quinoa is also cultivated in Iran and is gradually becoming more known in domestic and international markets. Iranian quinoa is local by nature and is compatible with the conditions of Iran in terms of land and climate. The main difference between Iranian and foreign quinoa is the plant breed and its color variety. Some types of Iranian quinoa have different colors, such as brown, yellow, green and even red. This color variation shows genetic diversity in Iranian quinoa.
Foreign quinoa
Foreign quinoa, which is mainly found in world markets, usually has white seeds and in some cases there are specific breeds. This type of quinoa also has similar nutritional composition with other quinoa such as Iranian quinoa.
Differences and benefits of Iranian quinoa and foreign quinoa
Appearance differences: The main difference between Iranian and foreign quinoa is in the color and shape of the seeds. Iranian quinoa has more color variations, while foreign quinoa is mainly white.
Genetic diversity: Iranian quinoa has more genetic diversity, which can lead to an increase in the amount of nutrients and variety in the taste of food, and is more suitable for Iranians to use.
Nutrition: Both types of quinoa are high in protein, fiber, and minerals. Iranian quinoa may have higher amounts of nutrients due to greater genetic diversity.
Price: The price of Iranian quinoa is usually lower than foreign quinoa, which can be an economic choice for domestic consumers.
| Foreign quinoa | Iranian quinoa | Traits |
| Mostly white | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Color variety |
| Normal and constant amounts of nutrients | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Nutrient values |
| Many countries with more temperate climates | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Cultivation area |
| It is usually more expensive | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Price |
| It may have milder weather conditions | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Climate |
| It usually has less genetic diversity. | Has many color variations (brown, yellow, green, red, etc.). | Genetic diversity |
If you have just met the quinoa seed and do not know anything about its properties, we suggest you refer to the quinoa properties page.
Investigating the nutritional value of Iranian and foreign quinoa
Iranian quinoa and foreign quinoa are generally very similar in terms of basic nutritional value. Both types of quinoa are rich in protein, fiber, and various minerals such as iron, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron. Also, both types of quinoa contain essential amino acids for the human body.
As we mentioned at the beginning of the article, the main difference between Iranian quinoa and foreign quinoa is in the genetic diversity and color of the seeds. Iranian quinoa may have variable amounts of nutrients due to greater genetic diversity. In other words, depending on the type and color of quinoa, the amount of nutrients may vary. This variety is usually evident in the colors of Iranian quinoa, which may range from brown to yellow, green, or even red.
However, the basic nutritional values of Iranian quinoa and foreign quinoa are generally very similar. In choosing between these two types of quinoa, the most important thing is the freshness and quality of the product and its color variety. Consuming fresher-quality quinoa can have better taste and nutrients. Also, the price of Iranian quinoa may be a little cheaper due to greater genetic diversity and local markets, which can be an economical choice for consumers.
The best areas for quinoa cultivation in Iran
Quinoa is grown in Iran in regions with special climatic and geographical conditions. This plant originally came from hot and dry areas in South America, so in Iran, by nature, areas with similar conditions are more suitable for quinoa cultivation. Some of the regions of Iran where quinoa is cultivated are:
- Kerman Province: With its hot and dry geographical conditions, Kerman Province is one of the most suitable places for quinoa cultivation. Some areas in this province, such as Rafsanjan, are known as quinoa production centers.
- Yazd province: Yazd province also has dry and hot weather conditions, and in some of its areas, quinoa cultivation has been done experimentally.
- Sistan and Baluchistan province: Some areas in Sistan and Baluchistan province have also tried to cultivate quinoa due to suitable weather conditions, and they have been successful.
- Arid and semi-arid regions of the north and south of Iran: In some other regions of Iran with dry and semi-arid weather conditions, quinoa cultivation may also be done, although to a lesser extent.
Considering quinoa’s needs for low water and dry conditions, it is important to cultivate this plant in dry areas such as the mentioned provinces. With increasing awareness and the development of agricultural technologies, the possibility of quinoa cultivation in other regions of Iran has also been explored.
Quinoa is a very valuable food product that is also cultivated and consumed in Iran. The differences between Iranian and foreign quinoa in terms of genetic diversity and cultivation conditions, as well as color diversity, may have an effect on consumers’ choices. Also, customers can buy quinoa from various stores and centers, including hypermarkets, health food specialty stores, and online stores. You can contact us to buy Iranian quinoa.
In this article, we completely compare Iranian and foreign quinoa seeds. Thank you for accompanying us until the end.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Iranian or foreign quinoa better?
Both have the same properties; The only difference between them is their price.
In which regions is Iranian quinoa cultivated?
Kerman, Yazd, Sistan and Baluchistan, arid and semi-arid areas of the north and south of Iran
