Quinoa and its Etymology and nomenclature Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa; /ˈkiːn.wɑː, kiˈnoʊ.ə/,[2][3][4] from Quechua kinwa or kinuwa)[5] is a flowering plant in the Amaranthaceae family. It is an herbaceous annual plant grown primarily as a crop for its edible seeds; the seeds are richer in protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary mine