When I get asked what those tiny black seeds jarred in my cupboards are, I answer by saying Chia, which is usually followed by one of two response: a blank stare followed by a “huh?!” or a reply referencing ch-ch-ch-chia Pets. Chia Pets, if you recall, were figurines made in the shape of animals (or Britney Spears) with chia seed sprouts simulating hair. Well, turns out that chia seeds deserve a lot more fame and should be known for more than furry pseudo animal hair.
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L) were a staple food (along with amaranth, beans, and maize) used as early as 3500 B.C. in ancient Mayan, Aztec, and Native South American cultures. At that time, chia was eaten alone as a grain, mixed with other seeds, dissolved into water and made into a drink, ground up into flour, and also used for medicinal purposes. Chia was held in such high regard that it was often offered to the gods during religious ceremonies, used as a form of currency when bartering for goods, and was even an acceptable way to pay taxes. Chia seeds were used especially for endurance and eaten during hunting trips and by runners jogging from Colorado River to the Pacific Ocean for trade. When the Spanish conquered the Americas, many crops including chia were sadly destroyed since it was associated with pagan religion. Instead, wheat, barley, carrots, etc. replaced the agricultural production system already in place. Today, due to the amazing nutritional properties of Chia, this ancient “superfood” is being rediscovered! Chia seeds have very little taste but have a ton of health benefits, here are just a few highlights:
- They are hydrophillic, absorbing 12 times it weight in water! Great to mix into a glass of water or juice. In Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, California, and Arizona, chia seeds are mixed with water, lemon juice and sugar to create a refreshing drink – “chia fresca”
- Chia seeds are full of omega 3′s! They actually contain more omega 3′s than any other plant source – even more than flax seeds!
- They store easily and for a long time since they are full of antioxidants
- High in protein (complete source containing all amino acids) and lots of fiber (your bowels will thank you!)
- Balances blood sugar levels, easily digested and absorbed, and helps control weight
I’m going through an obsessive pudding phase…but I made coconut chia pudding for my parentals this week, and they actually gobbled it down with big smiles! This is a huuuge deal. My mother is usually extremely anal about everything food-related and watches me closely when I use her kitchen. This recipe is so simple, so no mess was made during the process (bonus points in her mind) and she even threw in a compliment in there somewhere, so it was definitely a success. It’s sweet and creamy and will definitely keep you full until lunch. The chia will absorb a lot of the coconut milk and become gelatinous, creating a pudding like texture (similar texture to tapioca). Feel free to adjust the liquids depending on your preference for consistency. Here goes…
Recipe of the Week: Coconut Chia Pudding
Ingredients and Method:
- 400mL Coconut Milk
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/3 cup chia seeds
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 1/3 cup water
- Pour coconut milk into a large mason jar
- Add honey, vanilla extract, and water to jar. Give it a good whirl.
- Add in chia seeds and raisins. Close lid and shake shake shake…
- Put in ridge overnight. (If you have time, periodically give it a good shake)
- Ready in the morning for brekkie! or snack.
P.S. For those lucky Chia Pet owners…yes you can eat the sprouts that grow on them!!
[Chia Picture courtesy of stock.xchng: Cyanocorax]
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oh and this one goes out to my bella Jules C! thank you for the inspiration :)
Looks and sounds amazing!
Please feel free to stop by and make it for me anytime. :)
I ruv you! Love the idea of adding raisins to it… gives me an great idea to add some goji berries or maybe some dates, depending on what’s in the cupboard
Adding Mangosteen to your diet is a wise decision for a health concise regiment
I had no idea that the chia seed was a superfood…or at least that’s what I’m going to call it based on your description.
Kind of more than ironic that chia seeds are really known for what I would say are their least admired characteristics in the whole chia pet industry.
thanks for the nutritional enlightenment
Thanks for the comment Taylor, You are right, chia is definitely a Superfood! :)
Feel free to visit my website: http://www.optimallynourished.com (more updates to come…still in the works)