QUINOA...questions!!

[cindy]

I posted this on Finchaholics but would like to get input here to.....

Quinoa questions....if I make a batch up can the left overs be kept in the fridge? And for how long?

Do you ever mix it in their seeds and serve daily or is it something you give once or twice a week?

Boiled egg gets scarey especially in the summer, this would be a nice alternative. Quinoa is suppose to be a great source of vegetable protein.

[lovemyfinch]

I would mix it in their greenfood at times as a substitute for couscous. As for storing it in the fridge, I have a motto for any leftovers that I refrigerate(including humans) if its not gone in 3 days...its gone But that is just my personal time frame to keep any leftovers down to a minimum without spoilage.

I have to admit Cindy, this summer has been so hot and humid here that I have not given fresh eggfood for the last 2 months now.
I must say, the Orlux eggfood is accepted by all as an acceptable substitute....gouldians and cubans alike. We will check on the owls in a few more days

[cindy]

I am thinking of going back to the dried eggfoods, I am going to have to check out the Orlux and see if I can get it in bulk. Often I serve boiled'grated egg to the parent birds some like it others rather the seed and pellets, some like to feed the Laferber pellets to the young.

[kheather]

I cook, then keep whatever I have made for 3 days. I mixed a variety of things with it, you can do veggies,commercial eggfood, seeds, poppy seed (canaries) the trick is whatever you are making....I always add the quinoa or cous cous last and just fluff/fold it in, if buzzed in processor ...or when not cooked perfectly, it can come out sticky!

[cindy]

I also like your idea of soaking it over night and it spouts slightly.

[dan78]

Cindy I haven't used it personally but a Canary forum which is based in America have said they use it instead of egg, first I have heard of it. The people there use it as a soft food substitute and add things to it such as soaked seed and veg. The belief is that it doesn't spoil as quick as egg and they keep it for a few days in a fridge. I don't know if I can mention the forum and it can be edited if need be, its called Canary nest, there's plenty of info about quinoa.

[cindy]

Thanks Dan...Yes, I have been told on my finchaholics also that it is a decent protein source if you do not want to use egg or you can mix it with eggs, seed and veggies as some suggest. It is used in other countries as well, especially hotter climates and their birds seem to love it.

Heather even suggested covering some in water overnight, in the morning it has small sprouts that the birds might enjoy. I am going to give that a try to, sounds like a great idea.

I am going to make some up and see how my birds enjoy it. I rotate foods for them and it would be a welcome addition if it goes over well.

[cindy]

I made a patch of the quinoa and grated egg into it...it has a wonderful wheaty nut smell to it. The birds were excited before it was even dished out...they love it, tails up...dove right into it as soon as I put it down. I am going to see if I can get it in bulk. It was a tails up hit!!!

[L in Ontario]

What IS quinoa - where do I find it? Does anyone have a photo? Sounds like a seed if it can sprout overnight.

[cindy]

I'll snap a picture for you...by the way Rummy loves it...then again he eats everything!!!!

[cindy]

I got mine in the grocery store near the rice and couscous section.

[kheather]

good job cindy, and yes, alot of canary breeders use the quinoa as some feel animal protien makes them aggressive, mostly the males. Also for the spoilage factor! I buy it by the lb. here at the natural foodstore, and at wholefoods! I bet you could get a larger quantitiy with a little research! I now love the taste myself, and eat it instead of oatmeal. It must be true....having birds can improve your diet as well!!!!

[cindy]

I found a Near East one for a side dish for dinner tonight with Salmon. It looks yummy!!!

[Sally]

For those who have a Costco membership, you can get larger bags of it there. It is a grain. I'll have to try soaking it to see if it chits.

[cindy]

I wonder if Sam's Club has it....I will check tomorrow.

I want to try soaking it over night like Heather and Sally suggested.

The Near East Quinoa was very tasty!!!