Cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule): A Promising New Crop for Arid Areas

Abstract

The genus Chenopodium L. is a large group of plants of the amaranth, quinoa and spinach family (the Amaranthaceae), contributing significantly as providers of food. Another species belonging to this family is the neglected and underutilized Andean grain species cañahua (Chenopodium pallidicaule Aellen). The grains are small and characterized by a low content of saponins and a high content of proteins with essential amino acid and high content of omega-6 fatty acid and essential minerals. The flour is a good alternative to wheat for people with coeliac problems.