The Blog
The Humble Chia Seed...
Monday 16th January 2017
They're suddenly everywhere! But where do they come from, what on earth are they and what do they do?
Believe it or not, they are from a flowering species of the mint family. However, I can assure you, I have eaten many a chia seed and I've never noticed a hint of mint anywhere! They are native to Mexico and Guatemala, where ground and whole varieties have been consumed since the 16th century. Indeed; a rather ancient little seed.
So, why eat them? What's all the hype about? Protein...yep, the magic word that seems to be on the news everywhere, like a celebrity bonking the nanny. Adding one single tablespoon of chia seeds to your meal (black, brown or white) will see your protein content increased by roughly 3g, which is a lot for such a micro-guy. Other benefits? Well, the healthy omega-3 fatty acids are one, which we ought to be trying to consume regularly in our diets. Calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, niacin and zinc, are all readily available in these little seeds too.
Over the centuries they have been used for medicinal benefits; sore skin, joint pain and digestive disorders to name a few. They've also been used as ointment for facial and body painting and stimulating saliva flow. You could drink like the Mexican's (no, not their Tequila!) and add some water, lemon or lime juice, and drop of honey to the little guys and there you have a traditional "chia fresca" - energy in a glass.
Ok, so you get the health benefits but what do they taste like and what do you do with them? I reckon they have a little "nutty" flavour when consumed on their own - warning, do a smile-tooth-check before you meet anyone after eating these dry - they do tend to stick a bit! How about adding them to a fruit smoothie- easy adaption that. Sprinkle on your salad, cereal or add to your porridge? Again, these are quite easy ideas to improve your protein intake, without any more effort other than getting a packet out of the cupboard (oh, yes, they live in the cupboard, dry and happy in the dark).
Slightly more complicated ideas would include the Overnight Chia Pot in my recipes (that one requires a bit of mixing with milk), or the Chia Cookies (again, a bit of mixing). I have some more difficult suggestions in the snack recipes too on the website. Being a rather fab protein source, I have designed some portable snacks, sugar free and tasty that you can eat yourself whilst you're out and about, or pack to school with the children. I need to make the most of the fact the schools my children go to, haven't declared pack lunches "seed free" yet, as they have with nuts already...just a matter of time!
My favourite thing though? As a Nutritional Chef looking for food to fill clients up; that are functional, full of energy and fibre, to allow them to get on with their day without having to think about feeding a growing hunger, it's a great little friend. (Beware though, I do have to remind clients who embrace chia as a new child, it's still a fat source, so all things in moderation.) A breakfast or drink with a good 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, left to soak for at least 2 hours, where the seeds become gel like, filling, satisfying, and refreshing, would be my favourite way of including chia in a diet. Would love some ideas from you though? Do share your recipes!
