I bought my first pack of organic chia seeds and I have been adding them to our vegetable and fruit juices in the morning. I first saw chia pudding on Instagram and was inspired to make our own chia pudding for our breakfast. It’s really delicious. I’m glad my little girl likes this healthy pudding too.
about chia seeds
Chia seeds, also known as super foods, are very rich in short-chain ALA omega-3, fibre, antioxidants, calcium, iron, manganese and phosphorous.
It’s interesting to see how the dry seeds can absorb water up to 10 times their weight and form gel-like substance around the seeds. The gel-forming property of chia seed helps to slow digestion and sustain balanced blood sugar levels. And it’s no wonder chia seeds are very popular among endurance athletes.
A 2012 study showed that we need to grind chia seeds in order to get the Omega-3 benefits.
how to make chia pudding
It’s a very easy-to-make pudding that requires little preparation time though the waiting time may take several hours. I adapted this recipe and came up with mine.
Preparation time: 5 mins
Waiting time: 1-8 hours
Serve 3 personsIngredients:
1 1/2 cups Raw almond milk (alternatively soy milk)
1 tbs Goji berries
2 Medjoul dates
2-3 tbs Chia seeds
A pinch of Ground cinnamonFruit toppings:
1 Cut mango
1 Passion fruitStep by step instructions:
1. Add goji berries, dates and chia seeds, cinnamon to the almond milk and leave it overnight in the fridge to let the chia seeds to gel. Alternatively you can chill the mixture in the fridge for one hour or more.
2. Cut your favourite fruit as toppings for your chia pudding and serve. I topped it off with cut mango and passion fruit.
growing chia
Just found out that chia sprouts are edible too. I’m going to try growing my own chia sprouts and plants.
References:
- The Promising Future of Chia, Salvia hispanica L.
- Nutrition facts for dried chia seeds, one ounce
- Super Seed! The Case For Chia
- 30 Years After Chia Pets, Seeds Hit Food Aisles
- Chia, crop potential and uses
