Imagine a plant food that is naturally rich in protein, an excellent source of dietary fiber and has more omega-3 fatty acids than flax seeds. Just a small amount of this food provides energy for long periods of physical exertion What is this magical food? Chia seeds, of course.
While it may be strange to think of these little seeds (which are about the size of sesame seeds) as a serious source of nutrition and even the foundation of a meal, they were an agriculturally important crop to the ancient Aztecs, even as important as corn, beans, and amaranth.
Chia is now making a huge comeback. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, a good source of calcium, a good source of plant based protein and an excellent source of the plant derived omega 3 fatty acid.”
Chia seeds can be eaten whole or ground into a flour. They are often soaked in water or juice and drunk as a refreshing beverage. When the seeds are soaked, they absorb seven to ten times their weight in liquid and acquire a jelly-like covering around each seed. Ground, the chia flour can be added to other foods as a nutritional supplement. They have no flavor of their own and so lend themselves to most dishes. If you really want to have fun in your kitchen, chia seeds can also be sprouted and eaten as micro-greens.
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