Effects of roasting and boiling of quinoa, kiwicha and kañiwa on composition and availability of minerals in vitro.

Background: Andean indigenous crops such as quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa), kiwicha (Amaranthus caudatus) and kañiwa (Chenopodium pallidicaule) seeds are good sources of minerals (calcium and iron). Little is known, however, about mineral bioavailability in these grains. Thus the aim of the present study was to determine the iron, calcium and zinc potential availability in raw, roasted and boiled quinoa, kañiwa and kiwicha seeds.