Chi Chi Chia Seeds

      Chia seeds have gone mainstream, I just saw them at Costco.  I’ve also seen all kinds of food products containing chia seeds, from nutrition bars to fruit juice drinks.

Yes, these are the same seeds that are used on the sprouting novelty ceramic chia pets.

Years ago, I discovered chia seeds as a food source and was intrigued by the health claims of being high in omega-3 fatty acid, protein, calcium and fiber.  They also slow down digestion that helps regulate blood sugar and have more antioxidants than blueberries.  Those are some big claims. Like most, I have periods when I don’t take care of myself as well as I should. I’m a busy personal chef, not always practicing what I preach on nutrition, but I have noticed for myself, that when I eat chia seeds almost daily, I have more energy and feel healthy. As I have a busy work-hard/play-hard summer ahead, I’m getting back on the chia seed bandwagon.

Chia seeds are sometimes called the runner’s food.  I’ve read that the ancient native tribes of Mexico used them as a major food source and carried them on their long on-foot journeys.  They are still grown in Mexico as well as Bolivia, Argentina, Guatemala and Ecuador.

My favorite way to eat them is mixing them in a morning cup of yogurt. They’re also great sprinkled on vegetable and fruit salads, heck, I love them as a creamy crunchy snack by just dipping a banana in a pile of chia seeds. You can soak them in water, to creates a thick, gloopy drink, which is not really my favorite way to eat them.

The following recipe for chia seed pudding has been around for a while (I think I first saw it in Food and Wine magazine) and it’s really good. If you want try varying it, you can use cows milk and honey, vanilla extract, coconut or soy milk.

Chia Seed Pudding

Stir together. I put mine in a mason jar and shake. Refrigerate over night. This will keep for 2 or three days. but it’s so good I’ve never had mine last that long.

Almond milk, 2 ½  cups

Chia seeds, ½ cup

Agava, 3 tablespoons or to taste

Lemon zest, ½ teaspoon 

Comments

[Georgie Mcvoy]

I love this chia seed pudding recipe :-) Thanks for sharing. I also love making banana smoothies with a teaspoon of added chia seeds.