What is the Difference Between Red and White Quinoa

The main difference between red and white quinoa is that red quinoa is the type of quinoa, which takes a brownish hue when cooked and has a richer taste and a chewier texture, whereas white quinoa is the most common type of quinoa with the most delicate taste and the lightest texture. Furthermore, red quinoa is good for cold salads as it can hold its shape during cooking while white quinoa cooks up a bit fluffier. Moreover, they have slight differences in their nutritional value as well. 

Red and white quinoa are two of the many types of quinoa whose basic difference is their colour. In general, quinoa is not a grain, but the seed of the goosefoot plant and a source of complete proteins. 

Key Areas Covered 

1. What is Red Quinoa
     – Definition, Characteristics, Nutritional Value
2. What is White Quinoa
     – Definition, Characteristics, Nutritional Value
3. What are the Similarities Between Red and White Quinoa
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Red and White Quinoa
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms 

Micronutrients, Proteins, Quinoa, Red Quinoa, White Quinoa 

What is Red Quinoa 

Red quinoa is the type of quinoa with a brown hue when cooked. Generally, it has a moderate texture when compared to the white quinoa with a light texture and the black quinoa with a heavier texture. Moreover, its texture makes it more suitable for cold salads. This is due to its ability to hold its shape after cooking. However, it takes a somewhat longer time to cook than white quinoa. On the other hand, the vibrant colour of red quinoa makes it more suitable for adding colours to dishes. 

Figure 1: Red Quinoa

Furthermore, red quinoa has a great nutty taste, and it is crunchier. Also, a quarter cup of uncooked red quinoa contains 172 calories (170 calories in the same amount of white quinoa). On the other hand, it contains 32 g of carbohydrates (31 g in white quinoa) and 5 g of fibre (3 g of fibre in white quinoa) in the same amount of serving. 

What is White Quinoa 

White quinoa is the most common type of quinoa with a tan color when cooked. Other names for white quinoa are tan quinoa, ivory quinoa, golden quinoa, blond quinoa, yellow quinoa, and just quinoa. Typically, white quinoa has the lightest texture and the most delicate taste. But, it is less crunchy. On the other hand, it takes less time to cook. However, it cannot hold its shape after cooking. Therefore, it is fluffier.

Figure 2: White Quinoa

Moreover, white quinoa contains a slightly higher amount of fat. Generally, a quarter cup of white quinoa contains 3 g of fat while the same amount of red quinoa contains 2 g of fat. Furthermore, white quinoa is rich in micronutrients. A quarter cup of white quinoa contains 12% of the daily requirement of iron, 50% of the daily value of riboflavin, and 23% of the daily value of phosphorus. However, the same amount of white quinoa only contains 10% of the daily requirement of iron and phosphorus and 15% of the daily value of riboflavin. 

Similarities Between Red and White Quinoa 

• Red and white quinoa are two types of quinoa seeds with different colours. 
• Both are the seeds of the goosefoot plant.  
• But, they are not cereal grains. 
• They are a source of complete proteins. 
• A quarter cup of each quinoa contains 6 g of protein. 
• Quinoa contains a higher amount of lysine, which makes it a high-quality protein source. 
• Moreover, they contain a low amount of carbohydrates. Therefore, they are a good source of a low-carb diet. 
• On the other hand, they are rich in micronutrients such as iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and selenium. 
• They are rich in folate. Therefore, they are good for DNA replication and brain cell communication. 
• Generally, quinoa has a nutty and slightly bitter taste. Also, it takes longer time to cook, and it is more crunchy. 

Difference Between Red and White Quinoa 

Definition 

Red quinoa refers to a type of quinoa which takes on a brownish hue when cooked while white quinoa refers to the more tan colour quinoa. Thus, this is the main difference between red and white quinoa.

Taste and texture 

Moreover, red quinoa has a richer taste and chewier texture, while white quinoa has the most delicate taste and the lightest texture. Hence, this is also a difference between red and white quinoa.

Cooking 

While red quinoa takes more time to cook and is more crunchy after cooking, white quinoa takes less time to cook and less crunchy. 

Good for 

Furthermore, red quinoa is good for cold salads as it can hold its shape during cooking while white quinoa cooks up a bit fluffier. 

Nutritional Facts 

Another difference between red and white quinoa is that red quinoa is slightly rich in carbohydrates and fibres while white quinoa is slightly rich in calories and fat. 

Micronutrients 

Also, red quinoa has a comparatively low amount of iron, phosphorus, and riboflavin, while white quinoa has a higher amount of iron, phosphorus, and riboflavin. 

Conclusion 

Red quinoa is a type of quinoa with a brown hue when cooked. Generally, it takes a longer time to cook and is crunchier. Also, it has a more nutty flavour. Significantly, red quinoa is rich in carbohydrates and fibres. On the other hand, white quinoa is the most common type of quinoa, which has a tan colour. Typically, it takes less time to cook and is less crunchy. Moreover, its taste is not that strong. However, it is rich in micronutrients such as riboflavin, iron, phosphorus, and other minerals. Therefore, the main difference between red and white quinoa is their colour, taste, and texture. 

References:

1. “How Do Red, Black and White Quinoa Compare with Quinta?” Quinta Quinoa, 14 July 2016, Available Here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Red quinoa” By blairingmedia – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia   
2. “Quinoa closeup” By Pom² – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia