Physicochemical and antioxidant characterization of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) seeds cultivated in Béni Mellal, Morocco

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd) is a highly nutritious pseudo cereal originating from the Andes, notable for its resilience in diverse soil types and climatic conditions. It contains high levels of protein, fats, dietary fiber, micronutrients and essential amino acids. Despite limited consumption due to high import costs and low public awareness, quinoa is increasingly drawing interest from researchers and consumers alike. Morocco faces growing water scarcity, exacerbated by global climate change, irregular rainfall and successive years of drought. These challenges are particularly acute in arid and semi-arid regions such as Béni Mellal, where high temperatures and limited water availability place increasing pressure on agricultural systems. In this context, quinoa stands out as a resilient crop due to its ability to tolerate heat and thrive under water-limited conditions, making it a strong candidate for climate resilient agriculture. This study aims to assess the physicochemical, biochemical and morphological characteristics of quinoa grown for the first time in Morocco’s Béni Mellal region, to evaluate its suitability and agronomic potential under local environmental conditions. A comparison was made between quinoa seeds cultivated in the Béni Mellal region and those grown in another region of Morocco (Settat). A morphological and nutritional analysis was conducted, focusing on weight, thickness, diameter, coloration, dry matter, ash, fat, protein, fiber and sugar content. The seeds were analyzed for their content of phenolic compounds, including flavonoid derivatives and condensed tannins. Their antioxidant potential was also assessed through multiple evaluation methods. The analysis revealed that the quinoa seeds cultivated in the Béni Mellal region exhibited notably elevated levels (p ≤ 0.05) of phenolic content, reaching 1512.16 (mg GAE/100 g DW). These seeds also demonstrated a strong antioxidant potential, with a total antioxidant capacity (TAC) value of 467.52. In addition, they contained higher proportions of protein (19.13 %) and dietary fiber (12.55 %) compared to typical reference values. These results highlight quinoa’s potential not only to thrive under agro-climatic stress but also to contribute to nutritional security and drought-adaptive farming systems. Incorporating quinoa into Moroccan agriculture could enhance crop diversification, reduce vulnerability to climate extremes and support sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions.