A high-tech facility in Oruro, Bolivia, is changing the game in quinoa processing. The plant uses advanced Swiss machinery to process this nutritious grain.
Interestingly, NASA uses quinoa for astronauts on extended space trips.
The factory helps 3,500 local farming families. At full capacity, it will buy from nearly 9,000 regional producers.
The treatment process removes saponin, a cosmetic ingredient, from each grain. It also eliminates small debris like straw and quartz.
The plant manager, Marcos Castillo, gave a detailed tour of the place. It’s situated 15 kilometers from Oruro and 230 kilometers from La Paz.
The quinoa comes in three forms: whole, flakes, and flour. These get packed in different sizes, from 1.5 kg to huge 1,000 kg bags.
Castillo revealed future plans to supply the domestic market and export to Canada.
The facility operates under Empresa Boliviana de Alimentos, a state-run company. It collaborates with a national quinoa chamber to ensure fair prices.
This chamber represents five associations with at least 700 affiliated producers each. Bolivia produces around 70,000 tons of quinoa annually, including 28 varieties.
These not only meet local demand but are also for export.
For quality control, the factory uses an optical sorter and metal detector. These steps ensure safety and top quality.
Quinoa was a “golden grain” with a high market value a decade ago. Now, other countries cultivate it, affecting its price.
However, the Oruro facility stands unmatched in production capacity. Rich in proteins and essential minerals, quinoa is a health powerhouse.
It even helps in preventing anemia, a feature noted by NASA for its astronauts.
The facility also aims to make quinoa accessible to Bolivians. “Our main focus is affordability for local families,” said Castillo.
Background
This innovative plant represents a win-win for local farmers and global health. Moreover, it exemplifies Bolivia’s technological advancement in food processing.
The plant’s machinery ensures a high-quality product, setting new industry standards.
Its collaboration with a national chamber is a step towards fair trade. Castillo’s statement on affordability highlights a commitment to social responsibility.
The involvement of NASA shows quinoa’s global importance. Its various health benefits make it more than a trendy superfood.
Wit information from Sputnik