VOA慢速英語:藜麥時(shí)代來臨

[00:00.00]From VOA Learning English, [00:02.51]this is the Agriculture Report. [00:05.26]When a grain becomes popular worldwide, [00:09.35]there are two main effects: [00:12.02]farmers who grow the grain earn more in profits, [00:16.41]and people who use it for food pay more. [00:20.70]Quinoa, a grain native to South America [00:24.79]has become popular in many areas in recent years. [00:29.04]In fact, the United Nations General Assembly [00:33.06]approved a declaration making 2013 [00:36.70]the International Year of the Quinoa. [00:39.84]Quinoa is a traditional food crop [00:43.04]in the Andes Mountains. [00:44.63]The plant grows in an area near Lake Titicaca, [00:48.53]along the border of Peru and Bolivia. [00:51.68]Historical evidence shows [00:54.34]that local people were growing quinoa [00:57.03]as far back as 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. [01:02.13]During this period, [01:04.41]they used both the seeds and leaves [01:08.07]of this wild plant. [01:09.87]There are many kinds of quinoa. [01:12.72]The plant can be grown in different climates [01:16.22]and it does not require a lot of water. [01:20.00]Both the seeds and leaves can be used as food. [01:24.05]The seed is the most commonly used part. [01:28.20]Quinoa can be ground into flour [01:31.49]or cooked whole. [01:32.83]It is used in cereals, drinks and fresh salads. [01:37.93]It can also be mixed with vegetables or beans [01:41.87]for a full meal. [01:43.36]The leaves and stems [01:45.81]can also be used for medicinal purposes. [01:49.25]Some people use them to reduce pain, [01:52.45]heal wounds, and even keep insects away. [01:56.50]Quinoa is full of amino acids and minerals. [02:01.00]Amino acids are organic compounds that form protein. [02:05.80]The body needs them to help break down food, [02:09.69]and to grow, and repair tissue. [02:12.79]The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization [02:17.10]believes that quinoa can be used to fight hunger, [02:21.00]and feed a growing world population. [02:23.90]The reason is the high value of protein provided by quinoa. [02:28.94]The crop has also become popular [02:32.13]among those seeking healthier ways to eat. [02:35.63]The center of the seed contains up to 45 percent protein. [02:41.37]Quinoa is currently grown in more than 70 countries. [02:45.92]Peru and Bolivia together produce 92 percent of the crop. [02:51.41]The rest comes mainly from the United State, [02:54.70]Ecuador, Canada and Argentina. [02:58.19]Starting about 10 years ago, [03:00.89]the popularity of quinoa [03:02.74]caused its price to rise quickly. [03:05.73]Many Bolivian farmers have gained [03:08.73]from this increase by earning more. [03:11.33]They have been able to buy vehicles [03:14.16]and other goods with the increased profits. [03:17.26]However, other Bolivians [03:20.07]have had to give up their main food [03:22.71]because it costs to much. [03:25.31]Instead, they are buying and cooking with other foods [03:29.72]that are not as rich in healthy minerals and proteins.

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