I love seeds almost as much as I adore nuts. In fact, I don’t think there is a seed I’ve met that I don’t like. There is a new* seed on the block that has all its neighbors envious of its paparazzi team. She goes by the chic name of Chia; and boy, is she popular these days!
While Chia doesn’t have the flavor of say a pumpkin or sunflower seed, its nutritional profile blows any seed (and many other whole foods) out of the water.
“Chia seeds have recently gained attention as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid. They are also an excellent source of fiber at 10 grams per ounce (about 2 tablespoons), and contain protein and minerals including as iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc.” (source)
*Actually, chia was first used by the Aztecs as early as 3500 B.C. (source).
I eat chia seeds most days of the week, often more than once in a day. Because they are not strong in flavor, I can sneak them into many of my meals and snacks.
What To Do with Chia Seeds
- Sprinkle on top of toast (or toaster waffle) with nut butter, banana and honey
- Sprinkle on top of Greek yogurt with fresh fruit
- Add a tablespoon to a smoothie >> Coconut Mango Spinach Smoothie
- Add to a batch of Almond Apricot Energy Bites
Additional Edible Ideas
- Mix into pancake batter >> Quick Cinnamon Quinoa Pancakes
- Sneak into Almond Cherry Coconut Breakfast Cookies
- Stir into oatmeal or hot cereal
- Use as an egg substitute
I’ll save my infatuation with hemp seeds for another time…
Happy Tuesday!
* * *
What are your favorite ways to consume chia seeds?
I love chia seeds! I have never tried it as an egg substitute but have seen it on many blogs. I think the only way I would try it is if I ran out of eggs!
So funny to read your post because I just got chia seeds from Trader Joe’s an hour ago! Time to get in on the action and I’ll be trying out a few of your recipes asap :)
I just picked up a new purple bag today, too :)
Always looking for new ways to add them into my meals… thanks for this post!
I need to try CHIA as an egg sub. I have been using FLAX but CHIA needs to be swapped in. I wonder if it will make things taste any different!
I like using chia seeds for chia pudding and chia jam. I never buy jam anymore (unless it’s for Isaac) — I just whip up chia jam instead. :)
I need to try making chia jam stat!