What are Chia Seeds?

Chia seed is a very small seed, which is black and white in colour. An edible seed from the dessert plant Salvia hispanica, originally grown in Mexico, the chia seed is a nutrient-dense ingredient. It gives you a punch of energy! Chia means strength, and that speaks volume about its goodness.

It is a gluten-free whole grain, with a very mild, nutty flavour. The quickest way to have chia seeds is to add a tablespoon full of it to 8 to 10 ounces of water or juice. You can drink it right away, or let it sit for 10 minutes till the seeds start to gel. That gives the drink a wonderful mouth-feel.

How to select Chia Seeds

• Make sure the chia seeds have a blackish colour, as this indicates good quality.

• The poor quality ones would have turned slightly brownish yellow in colour.

• Chia seeds are available in dry fruit stores and gourmet food stores.

Culinary uses of chia seeds in Indian cooking

Chia Seeds to make healthy Indian bread.

Looking for a totally healthy bread which is healthier than whole wheat bread. Jowar Rajgira bread with chia seeds is a super gluten free bread which you can easily make at home.

Chia seeds used in healthy Indian drinks

The easiet way is to make a Chia Seed drink with honey and lime or toss it into a juice.

A lovely Indian drink to try is Kokum Chia seeds drink. For smooothie lovers post workout have the energizing smoothie made of spinach, avocado and chia seeds.

Chia seeds used in breakfast recipes

If you are a lover of Oatmeal then try Oatmeal Almond Milk Apple recipe which has 1 tsp of Chia and what is probalby enough for the day. Another gluten free option is Oatmeal Almond Milk with oranges is a great way to start your day.

Chia seeds can be had just plain, mixed with water.

• Soaked chia seeds can be added to juices and smoothies to get a fabulous, gel-like texture.

• Energy Chia Seed Drink with Lime and Honey is a super tasty way to enjoy this wonder seed.

• Chia seeds can be used to garnish salads.

• It can also be added to curds.

• Chia seeds are a helpful ingredient to thicken sauces and gravies, and to make puddings.

How to store Chia Seeds

• Store in an airtight container in a cool and dry place.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

• Chia seed is an easily-digestible little seed loaded with antioxidants (ALA), which trigger energy production in the body. It boosts energy, and is an amazing food for endurance athletes.
• It is also rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids and thus a wise choice for weight watchers.
• One tablespoon of chia seeds are approx. 12 grams, contains 2.1 grams of ALA, 4 grams of fibre, 2 grams of protein and 58 calories.
• Diabetics and heart patients too can benefit from these nutrients and manage their blood sugar levels as well as maintain a healthy heart.