Fair Trade Organic White Quinoa from Bolivia, 1-Pound
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Fair Trade. Bolivia: Anapqui Cooperative. Soul food of the Andes. USDA Organic. Same preparation as rice. Quinoa is an ancient cereal grain that grows in the Andes Mountains of South America, and has been cultivated in the region for more than 5000 years. Locally referred to as the mother grain and as a protein powerhouse, it kept the Incan armies strong and robust. Quinoa is nutritionally charged and is considered one of the best sources of protein and amino acids by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations. When the Spanish colonials arrived, the local farmers were sent into the gold mines of Peru and Bolivia, and non-native crops were introduced for Spanish consumption, thus altering centuries of agricultural patterns. During this period, the consumption of quinoa was associated with native populations, leading to an undesirable perception of this Inca grain as belonging to the lower class. By the beginning of this century, the production of quinoa in Bolivia was largely surpassed by foreign crops. The National Association of Quinoa Farmers was created in 1983 in order to maximize the revenue of local communities who were selling at loss. The Anapqui cooperative currently benefits 1200 small farmers from the south of the Bolivian Altiplano who, thanks to a fair buying price and on-site transformation facilities, which generate added revenue, have better living conditions. Alter Eco takes fair trade a step further: The Anapqui transformation factory, partially funded by the United Nations Development Program, has enabled small producers to export directly without having to rely on middlemen. The profit from sales has so far gone towards financing educational and training programs such as organic farming methods and certification. Alter Eco Products: Alter Eco offers a complete range of sustainable delicious fair trade products (coffee, tea, rice, quinoa, hearts of palm), the majority of which are organic. Alter Eco is a member of the International Federation for Alternative Trade (IFAT). This nutritious gluten-free quinoa is an ideal substitute for rice or pasta and can be used to liven up any dish. Certified Organic by Quality Assurance International (QAI).
