is the seed of the Chenopodium or Goosefoot plant. It is used as a grain and substituted for grains because of it's cooking characteristics.Three main varieties are cultivated; one producing very pale seeds, called the white or sweet variety; a dark red fruited variety called red quinoa; and a black quinoa. The seeds are similar in size to millet but are flat with a pointed oval shape and look like a cross between a sesame seed and millet.Quinoa has a fluffy consistency and a mild, delicate, slightly nutty flavor that borders on bland. The leaves of the quinoa plant are also edible and make a vegetable, like spinach. A quinoa leaf salad is generally more nutritious that most green salads. You can get quinoa in dfferent forms in flours,seeds,pastas . You want to rince the seeds I have only had the cereal myself.The quinoa seed is high in protein very nutrious and gluten free.