My research focuses mainly on the saponin biosynthesis of Chenopodium quinoa. Quinoa seeds are highly nutritious, but they also contain bitter tasting saponins that must be removed by washing or peeling before consumption. However, washing the seeds requires a large amount of water and peeling needs specially designed machines. For this reason, it is important to fully understand saponin biosynthesis in order to make progress in the breeding of plants with a reduced saponin content.
