|
 Product
Test:
AltiPlano Gold — Quinoa Instant Hot Cereal
Alti-Plano Gold
PO Box 156678
San Francisco, CA 94115-6678
(415) 928-9928
www.altiplanogold.com
My 28 days with Quinoa began early in February
while my wife, and editor of this magazine, Jessica was preparing
breakfast for the kids. "What is that?" I asked.
"Quinoa," she said. I am not on the cutting culinary
edge like she is so I have to admit I had no clue what Quinoa
was. I did see; however, that it was instant and since I am
a notorious breakfast skipper and instant cereal would be
handy to take to work with me, I asked if I could do the product
review. Nervously she agreed and so cross your fingers, here
it goes.
Quinoa, according to the box, grows high
in the Andes Mountains in South America. The Incas called
it the "Mother Grain" even though according to Google
it is actually seeds of a leafy plant closely resembling Spinach.
The one thing I do know is that when I eat it, I feel great
through most of the day and it is packed with fiber and vitamins.
I had the variety pack which contains the
following flavors:
- Spiced Apple Raisin
- Chai Almond
- Orange Date
- Regular
The first thing you notice when you open
the box is the smells practically jump out at you. A fragrant
potpourri of spice greets you and leaves you wondering which
one of the flavors smells so good.
It is important to note that I did lift
two packets of Oaxacan Chocolate from one of the other boxes
and it would be great to include that in the variety pack.
Because I am a man I ignored the directions
completely and simply heated a coffee cup of water and cereal
in the microwave. The first flavor I tried was the spiced
Apple Raisin and to this day it remains my favorite. In fact
my favorites in order are:
- Spiced Apple Raisin
- Chai Almond (this is the good smelling
one I referenced earlier)
- 1/2 Orange Date and 1/2 Oaxacan Chocolate
The first thing you notice is that it expands
quite a bit. The second thing you notice is that this is not
your father’s oatmeal. Quinoa has a silky texture with
a little graininess. The middle note is very hot cereal-ish,
kind of plain, but each packet has a spice finish with a bit
of nut, sweet raisin or date I made it very thick which is
how I like all hot cereal so your results may vary from mine
(especially if you follow the directions.)
I spent most of my 28 days with naked Quinoa,
although I did augment the Regular flavor with fresh banana
slices. I used no milk or sugar and although it took me a
few bites to get used to the flavor, now I cannot imagine
adding anything to it. (Editorial Note: I douse my oatmeal
with milk, butter and lots of sugar.)
After my first few breakfasts I thought
I better get a second opinion so I deputized a few people
that I work with to give me their opinions. These people followed
the directions and the results were mixed some really liked
the flavor and texture while others did not. All in all the
results were split 70 to 30 in favor of Quinoa. I am; however,
a Quinoa convert, at least as an office quick breakfast.
| 
