Time, culture and meaning in the ways of use of Chenopodium quinoa

Abstract

We offer a background about Chenopodium quinoa Willd. in Chile, from prehispanic to present times and particularly its use on different local traditions. The evidences considered in this paper include archaeological, archaeobotanical and ethnographical research.
This interdisciplinary approach provides an holistic view about one of the most appreciated food products due to its multiple values, and permits the historical reconstruction of the precolumbian tradition at the time that promotes the social sense of this recognized “good.”