Have you ever wondered whether these tiny seeds are worth buying? Chia seeds are so rich in nutrients that they are considered to be a super food. They are a great addition to our diet as they are rich in healthy fat, protein, fiber, manganese, phosphorus, and calcium. They are also gluten-free.

When chia seeds are soaked in a liquid (water, milk, juice, etc.) for about ten minutes, they form a gel, increasing in size and weight. Therefore they can be used in smoothies, puddings, baked goods, spreads, etc. The texture of the gel is similar to that of tapioca. If you have problems with some textures, it might take you a while to get used to soaked chia seeds.

Soaked chia seed gel can replace eggs in baking, which makes them a good choice for people with an egg allergy or who want to avoid eating animal products. One tablespoon of chia seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water is the equivalent of one egg.

Chia seeds can be bought in any health food store and in most ordinary grocery stores, usually in bulk. Their color can be black or white. They are best stored in the fridge or freezer. Because we buy many pounds at a time, we store our chia seeds in the freezer.

We LOVE chia seeds in our house. In muffins, in homemade bread, sprinkled in parfaits, mixed in coconut water, in smoothies, in salads, or as the main ingredient in our loaded morning breakfast bowl (recipe to come). Or even in plain, filtered water. Yum!

Are you looking for recipes that feature chia seeds? Here are 4 quick and delicious recipes:

Chia Almond Muffins

Chilled Vanilla Coconut Chia Pudding

Loaded Chia Chocolate Breakfast Pudding

Pear Coconut Chia Smoothie

Do you and your family eat chia seeds? What is your favourite recipe?

 

Source of nutritional information:

www.whfoods.com

www.nutritiondata.self.com