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Is Quinoa Kosher for Pesach for Ashkenazi and Sephardi?
According to the Star-K it is (this does not mean other Ashkenazic certifications disagree, i just dont know) allowed to be used by Ashkenazim on Pesach provided it has a proper hechsher for pesach. they have several articles on their website about Quinoa.
Yes. It is not a grain, nor is it kitniyot.
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If you’re asking me, it is fine.
No one, regardless of other issues, consider Quinoa to be a grain.
Some argue it is analagous to corn (maize as its called elsewhere), meaning it would be kitniyot. Other argues it is similar halachically to potatoes, which everyone considers to be non-kitniyot. The definition of kitniyot is very vague, but basically kitniyout on non-grains that are sufficiently similar to grains that there might be confusion. The “new world” products, introduced to Europe in the 1500s, have no ancient tradition, but we’ve settled that corn is, and potatoes aren’t, even though both can be used to make a grain-like product. Quinoa were only introducted to us recently.
The OU is Machmir, the Star-K, as mentioned previously, is Meikil. My opinion is that one may be lenient.
HOWEVER, as APY stated, it must have a reliable Pesach Hechsher or it may contain stray wheat grains or be processed on non-Kosher equiptment.
“HOWEVER, as APY stated,”
APY was quoting the Star-K, otherwise I stated nothing.
From what I have heard, not all brands of Quinoa are considered suitable for Pesach (possibly because of their being grown in proximity to wheat fields, or something like that). So if your Rov holds that you may eat it, you need to be certain that the specific brand you use IS 100% reliable for Pesach use.
Do we need it?
It’s a pity, because quinoa is a perfect food, high in protein, low in carbs, and really DOES satisfy as a substitute for rice, as a side dish. I didn’t liek it the first time I had it, but I have acquired the taste for it.
Rav Moshe held that peanuts were not kitniyos and ok for Pesach.
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