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Nutritional and Functional Properties of Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Chimborazo Ecotype: Insights into Chemical Composition

Author

Listed:
  • Paola Arguello-Hernández

    (Faculty of Animal Sciences, Grupo de Investigación y Desarrollo en Agroindustria (IDEA), Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH), Panamericana Sur Km 1.5, Riobamba 060155, Ecuador
    Agricultural Engineering School, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain)

  • Iván Samaniego

    (Department of Nutrition and Quality, National Institute of Agricultural Research (INIAP), Panamericana Sur Km. 1, Mejía 170516, Ecuador)

  • Alex Leguizamo

    (European Committee for Training and Agriculture (Comité Europeo Para la Formación y la Agricultura, CEFA), Guayas 22-46 y Venezuela, Lago Agrio 210105, Ecuador)

  • María Josefa Bernalte-García

    (Agricultural Engineering School, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain)

  • María Concepción Ayuso-Yuste

    (Agricultural Engineering School, Universidad de Extremadura, Avda. Adolfo Suárez s/n, 06007 Badajoz, Spain)

Abstract

Quinoa is known for its high nutritional value and adaptability; however, there is a lack of data about the chemical composition of quinoa produced in Ecuador, especially the Chimborazo ecotype. Our research aims to evaluate the nutritional components of Chimborazo quinoa. This knowledge (chemical composition) can help to improve cultivation and farmers’ understanding. Samples were collected from 49 plots at four altitude ranges (3000–3200; 3201–3300; 3301–3400; 3401–3533) m.a.s.l. Each sample of 2 kg quinoa was cleaned, dried (32 °C/15 h), and stored at −20 °C before analyzing water activity, proximate composition, mineral content, antioxidant activity, and functional compounds. The data were analyzed using ANOVA and mean comparison, Pearson correlation, and principal component analysis. The Chimborazo ecotype shows protein content comparable to or exceeding other global quinoa cultivars. Statistical analysis revealed that altitude had a minimal influence on quinoa’s chemical composition, resulting in overlapping altitude-based clusters. Complex relationships between quinoa variables were identified, which varied with altitude. These findings suggest that cultivation of high-quality quinoa across a range of altitudes is feasible without compromising its intrinsic quality. Moreover, the extensive and diverse results from our study provide a solid foundation for further plant breeding and the development of specialized quinoa varieties.

Suggested Citation

  • Paola Arguello-Hernández & Iván Samaniego & Alex Leguizamo & María Josefa Bernalte-García & María Concepción Ayuso-Yuste, 2024. "Nutritional and Functional Properties of Quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Chimborazo Ecotype: Insights into Chemical Composition," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:14:y:2024:i:3:p:396-:d:1349320
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Wieme, Rachel A. & Carpenter-Boggs, Lynne A. & Crowder, David W. & Murphy, Kevin M. & Reganold, John P., 2020. "Agronomic and economic performance of organic forage, quinoa, and grain crop rotations in the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest, USA," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 177(C).
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