Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa, grain, saponin microarray
College
Life Sciences
Department
Plant and Wildlife Sciences
Abstract
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is an important crop originally from the Andes of South America. Quinoa grows well in high altitude and high saline conditions, for which it is used as a substantial food source by the farmers of the Altiplano (high plains) in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Quinoa has great nutritional value, as its seeds contain high quality protein in vast amounts and other nutrients such as carbohydrates, lipids, and minerals1. However, quinoa has a seed coat with high levels of saponin that limits its nutritional uptake in humans. In addition, saponins are bitter-tasting compounds, thus making quinoa unpalatable. Consequently, a saponin removal process exists to make quinoa more palatable, but this increases the cost of the grain, and thus creates a barrier to expanding production of the crop.
Recommended Citation
Alvarez, Jimena B. and Maughan, Dr. P. Jeff
(2013)
"Saponin Microarray,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1572.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1572