Food Diaries: Quinoa, a Hardy, Ancient Crop

In the first post of our "Food Diaries" series, we look back on our 2019 trip to the Bolivian highlands.

Why talk about food?

Food is our connection with nature; it is both the cause and the consequence of our impact on the landscape. In recent years our food has been produced in monocultures, and agriculture has become a great paradox. Agroforestry brings back that connection, and practicing it can lead to a sustainable interaction between human communities and the environment. But it all starts with food!

Quinoa

You may have already heard of, and maybe even tasted, the food in this first post. In recent years it has gained prominence in Brazil and around the world, best known for its seeds, which are very rich in essential amino acids and highly nutritious compared to cereals such as wheat, corn, rice and oats. We're talking about the special Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa).

At PRETATERRA we set foot on the shallow, sandy soils of the Bolivian highlands, where the crop is native. We saw how quinoa plants have adapted to the harsh climate, where despite the high altitude, rainfall is minimal. If it weren't for the huge temperature difference between day and night, we could even compare it to the arid landscape of some regions of Brazil, specifically parts of the Northeast. This plant is hardy, tolerant and water-efficient, with an extraordinary ability to adapt to its environment. One of its remarkable features is its leaves, which can store a lot of water.

What were the plantations like in Bolivia?

The quinoa plantations in the Andean highlands did not have an even harvest, because the plants themselves were at different stages of development. We also saw that the soil was degraded, with a very low decomposition rate.

To improve the area, one solution would be to let the natural pasture come back and only then plant quinoa between rows, alternating with native vegetation. This would recycle the soil, since quinoa would grow above the other species, and gradually, after a few harvests and with more diversity in the area, soil fertility would increase. Another important step would be adopting rotational grazing for greater effectiveness.

A biodiverse system always brings more benefits to the land, and the result of this process can often be enjoyed at the table. If you'd like to learn more about growing a specific food, send us a message: it could be the topic of our next post.

Learn more about our trip to Bolivia and see this quinoa planting here.