How to use chia seeds
I love chia! Those little seeds are essential in my kitchen. I am glad for the omega-3 and fibre that will be added to may day when I consume more chia seeds. I put them in drinks, breakfasts and snacks.
Maybe you never shopped for chia seeds or used them in the kitchen at home. Maybe you tried some foods out on the go and they had chia, but you wondered how to include them in everyday habits. Hopefully you could be a regular user or fan of chia seeds but want to do something new with this ingredient. However you feel about these little superfoods, here are some ways to consume more chia seeds in your day.
A simple scoop of chia seeds can make a significant difference to a meal and life. Image: Pixabay creative commons.
Why is chia so important?
I'm giving this much attention to chia seeds because they make such a difference in everyday diet. In my opinion, it's an essential staple.
What are the benefits of chia seeds?
The chia seed is a powerful superfood that gives omega-3, fibre, protein, calcium, phosphorus and zinc (according to Harvard). What's the benefit from these features? As a vegan, I get peace of mind knowing chia seeds should contribute to my overall nutrition and health. For example, I try to eat a variety of calcium sources and this is one of the easiest.
Buying chia seeds in bulk
I am a loyal fan of the big kilogram-sized bags of chia seeds. I like to keep a bag or two in the kitchen so there's plenty. It could be presumably cheaper than small little packets of the stuff. Plus, chia seeds should last a few years in the pantry. Get through it at your own pace, knowing it will stay good for a while.
Chia seeds are often added to smoothie bowls. That's just the start. These little tiny superfoods can be included in pancakes, protein bites and more. Image: Pixabay creative commons.
Snacks that include chia seeds
Protein Ball
Try mixing chia seeds into homemade vegan protein balls or date based slice. When we make our own snacks, we can sneak in a lot more superfoods and diverse ingredients to feel more fulfilled.
Nut Butter
Stir chia and other seeds into a nut butter to give it a super boost. Spread this on toast in the morning instead of the normal PB.
Pudding
Make a little chia pudding with plant based milk. Make a flavour you would enjoy. Use cacao for a chocolate taste or add fruits. Many people choose these puddings for a light breakfast or snacks because it is extremely healthy.
Including chia seeds in meals
Stir it into pancake mix
Make super pancakes. These will not be the usual soft fluffy pancakes. I would use a few whole grain flours, flax, chia and banana. They will be extra filling.
Porridge with seeds and nuts
My favourite porridge is cooked with cinnamon and chunks of organic apple. I might mix in a bit of natural sweetener such as maple syrup. The chia seeds go into the mix just before the porridge is cooked enough. Seeing all those specked dots in the food, I know there will be extra goodness.
More ways to use chia
There's even more to try with this great ingredient. Are you seeing the versatility now?
Chia jam
Make your own chia fruit jam. I have tried this with frozen raspberries. Just try to use it relatively soon. I'm not sure if this would keep as long as store-bought jam. It definitely should be stored in the fridge.
Chia sprouts
Sprouted chia seeds. Image: iStock/Getty
Sprouting is a big trend now. People are sprouting all sorts of foods. I never thought to sprout my chia seeds. Now it seems like a good idea. Why not?
Some resources actually recommend sprouting as a fun activity for kids. Maybe it could be a boredom buster during lockdown or a rainy day inside.
Binding like 'egg'
Chia could be used to bind foods together. Something would be needed for this purpose when baking a cake or cooking pancakes, for example. Flax is another favourite for binding but why not try this with chia too. I wonder what would happen if we use a bit of both.
Getting creative
Just when you think all options have been tried and tested, there will be more ways to enjoy chia seeds. Get plenty of this ingredient in your kitchen and start experimenting.
Other articles about food:
