Canahua, Canihua, Quaniwa, Kaniwa
A tropical plant. It is cold resistant. It is more tolerant of cold than quinoa. It can tolerate frost and dry soils. It grows in the high Andes. It grows between 3,500 and 4,100 m altitude. It is not affected by daylength. The plant needs 500-800 mm of rain. It can tolerate drought. It cannot stand high humidity when young. It can tolerate temperatures down to -10°C and up to 28°C. It needs a pH between 4.8 and 8.5. It can tolerate some salinity.
Synonyms
- Chenopodium canihua O. F. Cook [Invalid]
Edible Portion
- Seeds
Where does Canahua grow?
Found in: Andes, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, South America
Notes: There are about 100-150-250 Chenopodium species. They are mostly in temperate regions. It is 15-19 % protein. Also put in the family Chenopodiaceae.
Status: It is a cultivated food plant.
Growing Canahua, Canihua, Quaniwa, Kaniwa
Cultivation: Seeds will grow immediately. The seed is broadcast at 5-8 kg per hectare.
Edible Uses: The seed is used to make a flour called canihuaco. This is used in soups, stews, desserts and to flavour drinks. Up to 20% can be added to bread flour. The toasted seed can be ground and mixed with sugar and milk as a breakfast cereal.
Production: Seeds ripe gradually. Plants are therefore pulled up and shaken but threshed again after 10-15 days. Yields of 400-800 kg per hectare are possible.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
Castillo, R. O., 1995, Plant Genetic Resources in the Andes: Impact, Conservation, and Management. Crop Science 35:355-360
Dias, A. C., et al, 1955, Nutrient Content and Protein Quality of Quinua and Canihua, Edible Seed Products of the Andes Mountains. Journal of Agricultural and Food Composition 3: 531
Etkin, N.L. (Ed.), 1994, Eating on the Wild Side, Univ. of Arizona. p 50 (As Chenopodium canihua)
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 77
Hermandez Bermejo, J.E., and Leon, J. (Eds.), 1994, Neglected Crops. 1492 from a different perspective. FAO Plant Production and Protection Series No 26. FAO, Rome. p 12, 131
Kiple, K.F. & Ornelas, K.C., (eds), 2000, The Cambridge World History of Food. CUP p 1744, 1750, 1841
Plant Ecology - Reviews of Research. 1955, Arid Zone Research VI. UNESCO p 101
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/ (Also as Chenopodium canihua)
Repert. Spec. Nov. Regni Veg. 26:126. 1929
Repo-Currasco-Valencia, R. et al., 2009, Chemical and Functional Characteristics of Kaniwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) Grain, Extrudate and Bran. Plant Foods for Human Nutrition. 64:94-101
Simmonds, N.W., 1979, Quinoa and relatives, in Simmonds N.W.,(ed), Crop Plant Evolution. Longmans. London. p 29
Tapia, M. E., The role of under-utilised plant species with regard to increased food security and improved health of poor poeople, in mountain regions. IIAP-PNUD/Peru
USDA, ARS, National Genetic Resources Program. Germplasm Resources Information Network - (GRIN). [Online Database] National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. Available: www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/econ.pl (10 April 2000)
van Wyk, B., 2005, Food Plants of the World. An illustrated guide. Timber press. p 130
World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew