Friday, July 6, 2012

Chia Seed Frenzy...

Sure the first thing that comes to mind is “Ch-ch-ch chia!” but this little seed is so much more than the source of those grassy, pet plants from back in the day. The chia seed is a powerhouse of antioxidants, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

I first heard about this wonder-seed a while back when I was researching good sources of omega-3s. Art and I had been using flax for quite some time to mix in oatmeal and throw in other random meals when possible, but I began to discover the vast superiority of chia over flax. Omega-3s can cause things to go rancid, that’s why ground flax should be refrigerated. Well, not only does chia not have to be ground in order for the human body to access the nutrients, but it also is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds will keep just fine if left in the cupboard. Additionally, chia packs in a healthy dose of fiber and many other nutrients.


Who knew!? It was quite the revelation for me.

Since working chia into my diet and enjoying the convenience it offers, I have employed it in other ways in the kitchen. Mix some chia seeds with water and let it sit for a few minutes to form a gel. This characteristic is thought to slow digestion and tame those pesky blood sugar spikes when eating a large meal. Furthermore, this gel can be used as an egg substitute in baking. I have done this several times when compulsively baking, getting halfway into a recipe, and realizing I don’t have eggs. Life saver.

Throw them on yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, salad, and almost anything to get an extra crunch of nutrition.

Enough ingredient education, here’s a super easy recipe for chia seed pudding. Keep in mind the “congeal” factor of these super seeds!

2/3 C  chia seeds
   2 C  vanilla soy/rice/almond milk
½ t     cinnamon

Dried currants for topping

Place ingredients in a bowl, stir, and cover. Refrigerate over night. Mix well before serving. Add currants after plating and before serving.


I have tried a few variations of this with dried cherries, agave, honey, coconut, and some other things. Because the base recipe is so simple, this can be customized in any way! It’s a great sweet treat that packs in some killer nutrition and will keep you feeling full.

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