Chia Seeds - what, when and why??

amandarunning

What are they? When would I use them and why? I have read some stuff and assume lowish carbs, highish protein but is that it? Recipes include a pudding which kinda sounds ok but what is the texture? Like rice pudding?

Any recommendations (or otherwise) gatefully received as they're not cheap! Oh - also is it the whole seed or milled seed??

Cheers.

Nachise

I buy black chia seeds in bulk and keep them in the freezer. They are a super source of fiber, which helps to keep you feeling full, and a valuable source of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids. Generally, I add them to my breakfast in the morning, which consists of fruit, yogurt or kefir, and cereal. They are great in smoothies, and will thicken them because they absorb water like crazy. Trader Joe's had a recipe for a coconut milk/chia pudding. They do have kind of a crunch when they are not fully hydrated, and would probably be super in a homemade vinaigrette or just sprinkled in a salad. Couldn't hurt to add them to baked goods like muffins or quick breads.

mochapygmy

Yes, Yes, Yes to chia seeds! In 1 Tablespoon they provide 6 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein and 2.9 grams of Omega 3s. All that for 60-70 calories. They are whole seeds but very tiny.

I toss a Tbs in my greek yogurt for a post workout snack. As the previous poster mentioned they are crunchy in their natural state. In my greek yogurt they soften just a bit but still very crunchy. They taste kind of nutty.

When you put them in liquid they soften and form a gel. They longer you let them sit the more jelly-ish they get. A friend said they are a bit like tapioca but I don't eat tapioca so I'll take her word on that. They are less nutty when in their softened state. Last week I started mixing a Tbs of chia seeds, sugar, a squeeze of lime juice and 8oz of water together. Let it sit 5-10 minutes and drink it up. It's like a thick limeade. I admit the texture kind of threw me the first time but I learned I like it best after it gels for between 5-10 minutes. After 10 minutes is a bit too gloopy for me but I'll drink it if I've forgotten it. I'm going to try it with honey or agave and lemon juice etc.

Oh sometimes I put them in my steel cut oatmeal. I haven't tried the pudding recipe yet but heard it's not bad.

They are supposed to help with recovery post workouts and some sources say they are a burst of energy.

Trader Joe's sells small packs and I just bought a big bag at Costco. The Costco kind is a bit lower in quality (nutritional punch) but it's cheaper so I just add a Tbs and a pinch. I keep a small bag on my counter and the big bag in my pantry.

Nachise

You should be keeping them in the fridge or the freezer to maintain their quality. The oils in the seeds can go rancid with exposure to light and heat.

There is a local organic food store in my area, and their prices are actually pretty good.

keithemp

There was an interesting study done about the effects of chia seeds. They found that the omega-3's in chia seeds only really benefited people who ate ground up chia seeds. I would suspect that our stomachs don't digest the full seeds, so to reap the most benefit, you may want to buy preground chia seeds, or grind them yourself.

You can see the entire article here:

http://longevity.about.com/od/antiagingfoods/a/Chia-Seeds-Ground-Or-Whole.htm

rmdaly

I put chia seeds in my oatmeal and since it gels up the water, I have to use more water. Sort of makes me feel like I am eating more.

I found them in a big bag at Costco and recently at my grocery store. They are pricey.

levitateme

You can use them similarly to how you'd use flax seeds. Add to a smoothie for a fiber boost or sprinkle on the top of fresh baked bread.

My boyfriend was on a chia kick for a while and made chia candy, which was basically a recipe for sesame candy with chia seeds substituted.

affabletoaster

You can also use them (or flax seeds) as an egg replacement in baking recipes! I've done this when I don't have eggs in the house, or just for fun!

http://www.foodrenegade.com/how-make-egg-substitute-chia-seeds/

VegasFit

Love them! I add them to my salads, smoothies and oats. I only buy them at Costco or Amazon. That's the best price I've seen.