[inthewind]

Couscous is really just white pasta, a refined carb. So I see it as an energy provider rather than something nutritional. Whereas quinoa is a wholefood. There's currently a shortage and hence it's rocketed in price. It used to be cheaper to buy for me than rice. I'm a fan. It does have a subtle nutty/smokey taste. Red quinoa is even nicer. Both nice with roasted veg, garlic and tomatoes. And as another has said a pleasant change from rice and potatoes.

It's probably a hardy crop if it's a relative of spinach. I'm in the UK, and I'd like to see more of it grown here.

[pyre]

Depends on the local conditions. E.g. according to Wikipedia, "In eastern North America, it is susceptible to a leaf miner that may reduce crop success; this leaf miner also affects the common weed and close relative Chenopodium album, but C. album is much more resistant." That said, it seems pretty hardy as, "Quinoa's optimal growing conditions are in cool climates with temperatures that range from 25°F/−3°C during the night, to near 95°F/35°C during the day."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa

[inthewind]

Yeah there's someone in Shropshire in the UK growing it: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/0/23885313