Quinoa is Kosher L’Pesach and is not related to the five types of chometz grains, millet or rice.
Why is quinoa forbidden during Passover?
(Kitniyot is a category of foods that were forbidden by Ashkenazic custom during Passover because 1 ) they bear similarities to and might become confused with forbidden grains and 2) can become intermingled with those grains. Included in this group are: beans (all), buckwheat/ kasha, caraway, cardamom, chickpeas, corn, fennel, fenugreek,.
Everyone in the rabbinic and kosher world agrees that if you can eat kitniyot and a certifying agency like the Orthodox Union has determined that the quinoa in question did not come into contact with any Passover-forbidden items, quinoa is perfectly acceptable on Passover.
Can you eat quinoa raw?
Quinoa can be eaten raw or uncooked if it is first soaked and sprouted, but some experts advise that quinoa should always be cooked, not consumed as a raw sprout . It is equally nutritious in sprout form, but cooking may be a safer and more versatile way to include it in your diet.
So it’s safest not to eat quinoa sprouts raw — instead, mash them before using in baked goods or stir-fry before adding to a meal. In short, quinoa is a grain that really needs to be cooked to bring out the flavor and to make reaping quinoa benefits an enjoyable experience.
Quinoa can be used as a breakfast cereal in place of oats, too. There is no official guidance on whether you can eat raw quinoa.
When cooked, quinoa benefits from a light, nutty flavor and is very versatile. The Whole Grain Council suggests using it in salads, as a base for veggie burgers, in soups or in breads, cookies and bars. Quinoa can be used as a breakfast cereal in place of oats, too.
What foods are kosher for Passover?
Most major kosher certifying agencies place a “P” next to their seal on such products, indicating that the item is kosher for Passover. The only grain product that is ever kosher for Passover is matzah, and it must be certified as such. Raw, kosher meat, fish and chicken, fruit and vegetables.
Do I need to soak quinoa flakes before eating?
The quinoa flakes in my local store say they need cooking, unlike grain flakes which can be eaten raw. I’d soak the flakes first if I wanted to eat them raw … but then why not buy the whole seeds and soak them, they’re cheaper and presumably fresher as the insides haven’t been exposed to air.