Abstract
Quinoa possesses remarkable characteristics in terms of its productive potential and eco-geographical adaptation (0 to 4000 msnm; 200 to 1000 mm of rainfall; −1 to 35°C, and short to (neutral) photoperiod). The market potential is large, and quinoa is already known in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, as a basic source of protein of high biological value. FAO has suggested the crop be included as a source for food security in the next century (FAO, Citation[1998]) Bolivia and Peru are the major producers of quinoa, with 70000 ha under cultivation.