Quinoa Quality (QQ) is happy to present the first newsletter, with information of interest for the quinoa producers in Europe. The newsletter is sent to all the clients of QQ, but others are welcome to subscribe to it. We will find a way to do it easily, but until then just send us a mail.
Please do not forget, that for commenting on this initiative, for questions on cultivation, market aspects and anything else, just contact us at info@quinoaquality.com.
With the very best regards, Sven-Erik Jacobsen
QQ ready for the 2019 sowing season
QQ has all our three varieties in stock from 1 March for the coming season, in two size bags, 10 and 20 kg. Bag quality has improved this year by high quality, branded bags with a tracing system, see photo.
As a main rule, QQ is happy to organize and bill transportation within Europe. Should you prefer you are also welcome to organize the pick-up yourself.
As another improvement this year we have firmed up our order procedure. As part of the service, you will now systematically receive an order confirmation specifying the details of your order. Along with the order confirmation, you will also receive the General Terms and Conditions for Sale (GTCS). Once you have checked both, you must send your pre-payment and the signed GTCS form, upon which your goods will be shipped.
Regarding delivery times we aim to confirm your order within three days after receipt of payment and signed GTCS and to ship your order within five days.
As we are experiencing an increased demand for quinoa throughout Europe, we have assured sufficient quantities in our warehouse in central Europe. However, we recommend that you place your order as soon as possible to be sure that you can access the quantities required.
New Quinoa Quality bags
Quinoa 2018
2018 was a dry year especially in Northern Europe, but farmers were happy to have quinoa in the field under such conditions, as they observed that quinoa better tolerated drought than their other crops. See below a picture of a quinoa field in Denmark, and a quinoa dish prepared in my house, absolutely excellent.
QQ provided support for the cultivation of quinoa, in addition to processing and product development. QQ is not directly involved in food production, but we are doing what we can to promote the crop and various products, and to open new markets.
Also we will thank all the farmers who have filled in the questionnaire that we distributed just before Christmas 2018. The comments and replies are very important for us to improve the production and to support even better the farmers.
Quinoa Quality full product catalog can be found here: Quinoa seeds.
Danish quinoa field 2018 (Vikinga)
Immediate drying is important
Delicious quinoa dish
Fields in Europe: Vikinga in Spain
Vikinga in Belgium
Titicaca in Sweden
QQ is happy to introduce a new crop species in our protein product range, amaranth. This year we will introduce the first of several varieties of amaranth. Amaranth is a high value, beautiful crop, used for food, either as a leafy vegetable or as a seed crop, or both. Market interest is increasing, and recipes are being developed. The variety is Maria, with shiny, black seed. Packaging size is 1 kg.
This year is the first year where amaranth cv. Maria is available. Next year there will be other amaranth cultivars and new protein species introduced. QQ will be available for cultivation support.
Background
Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is a protein rich crop (12-17%) with optimal amino acid composition for human consumption due to the content of lysine and other sulfur-containing amino acids. It is also gluten-free, and seeds do not contain bitter saponins. The cultivated species of amaranth originate from Latin America, where the crop has been a major source of food for thousands of years, especially among Maya and Aztek cultures.
The seeds, which are ca. 1 mm in diameter, can be ground into flour and used for making bread, biscuits and cakes, or they can be boiled and popped. The leaves can be used as a leafy vegetable.
Amaranth succeed on most soil types, but prefers a well-structured and well-drained seedbed. It is sensitive to frost, therefore a warm seedbed is required especially during the establishment. Amaranth grows well in dry conditions. The small seed is sown in a maximum of 1.5 cm depth. N allocation is 45-90 kg/ha. Major problems with diseases and pests have not been observed.
Amaranth does not mature homogenously, which can make harvesting difficult. The best harvest time is when two-thirds of the seeds are mature. After harvesting, the seeds should be dried.
Amaranth cv. Maria
Seed of Maria
We wish you all an excellent season in 2019.
The Quinoa Quality team