Once mature and dry, the quinoa is harvested and threshed, then stored in suitable facilities that preserve its condition and quality. The threshed quinoa arrives directly from the field at our facilities, where the Quality Control department conducts sampling to evaluate parameters such as particle size, moisture content, variety, and yield. If the results meet established specifications, the product is approved and stored. Subsequently, the processing stage begins, comprising scarification, polishing, cleaning, grading, color sorting, metal detection, packaging, and final storage, making the product ready for shipment.
Primary quinoa processing:
Hulled quinoa enters our primary processing line, meticulously designed to ensure a high-quality product.
1. Initial cleaning
In this stage, all impurities larger than the quinoa—such as sticks, straw, stones, and other foreign materials—are removed, as well as smaller particles and light impurities.
2. Scarified or peeled
The conditioned quinoa enters the scarification machines, where it is subjected to friction between the grains and against the machine walls. This process removes the outer layer and reduces the saponin content of the grain.
3. Water polishing
Subsequently, in a continuous process, the quinoa moves to the water-polishing area—a stage where the saponin is completely removed—yielding a pearled quinoa with a characteristic pearl-like sheen that is ready for consumption.
4. Classification and selection
Once cleaned, the quinoa enters the size-sorting system, where the select grain is separated. It then passes through color-sorting and metal-detection equipment, ensuring maximum safety and quality.
5. Final product
As a result, quinoa with a purity level of up to 99.99% is obtained, meeting international market standards and requirements.