Bulk Herb Store

Herbs: Chia seed - whole

Common Name: Chia
Latin Name: Salvia
Origin: Ecuador

Organic, raw and non-GMO!

These seeds are known as “Indian Running Food” - Aztecs used this as a high energy endurance food during their conquests. “Chia” is the Mayan word for strength.

The Chia seed is one of the richest plant sources of omega-3 fatty acids, an anti-inflammatory agent that is good for healthy skin and involved in the cholesterol metabolism function. It is an excellent source of natural antioxidants, protein, calcium, phosphorus, manganese, potassium, zinc, copper, and iron. In fact, Chia contains six times more iron than spinach. Also, it’s gluten free.

Chia seeds have been known to:

These seeds can be ground and mixed with flour to make breads, but it is not necessary to grind Chia seed as they can be taken whole. They can be added to foods like cereals, juices, broths, salads, and yogurt. Also, Chia seeds will last for years without refrigeration.

Chia Seeds Recipes:

1. Agua Fresca de chia (Chilled Chia Water)
Ingredients:
1/2 c. lime juice
1 c. sugar OR 1/4 - 1/3 c. agave nectar
10 c. water
1/3 - 1/2 c. Chia seeds
Several sprigs fresh sage for garnish
Directions:
Pour lime juice and sugar into the water and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add the Chia seeds to the above ingredients. Shake or stir vigorously. Garnish with the sage sprigs. Serve in tall glasses over ice. (Best prepared just before serving. The longer the chia seeds are in the water, the thicker and more gel-like the beverage becomes.)

2. Smoothies/Blended Drinks
Basic recipe:
1/2 - 1 c. liquid of choice (apple juice, orange juice, coffee, yogurt, milk, water, etc.)
1 banana, fresh or frozen in 1" pieces
1/4 c. fresh or frozen fruit of choice (strawberries, cherries, blueberries, etc.)
1 Tbls. Chia seeds
1 Tbls. seeds or nuts (sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, flax seeds, soaked almonds or brazil nuts)
Directions:
Blend and serve.The more fruit you add the thicker the drink. With a 1/4 cup of liquid you can create a pudding-like dessert from any fresh fruit and liquid of your choice.

3. Pumpkin Bread with Chia Seeds
Ingredients:
1/4 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1/2 - 3/4 teas. orange extract
1 c. canned pumpkin (or fresh)
1 & 1/4 c. all-purpose flour
2 teas. baking powder
3/4 teas. baking soda
1/2 teas. salt
2 Tbls. Chia seeds
1 & 1/2 teas. cinnamon powder
3/4 teas. ginger powder
1/4 teas. ground nutmeg
1/2 c. raisins
1/3 c. chopped peacans
3 Tbls. apricot spreadable fruit
Pecan halves or chopped pecans (optional)
Directions:
Beat butter and sugar till blended in mixer bowl; beat in eggs, orange extract and pumpkin. Mix in combined flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, chia seeds and spices; mix in raisins and chopped pecans. Spread batter evenly in greased loaf pan 8.5×4.5×2.5 inches. Bake bread in preheated 350F oven until browned for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool bread in pan 5 minutes; remove from pan and cool on wire rack. Heat spreadable fruit until melted in small saucepan; brush on bread and garnish with pecans.

4. Cocoa Chia Brownies
Ingredients:
2 c. sugar
1 c. flour
1/2 c. cocoa
1 c. walnuts or pecans
1 & 1/2 c. Chia seeds
4 eggs
1 c. butter, melted and cooled
2 teas. vanilla
Directions:
Mix dry ingredients in one bowl and stir well. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl and mix well. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients' bowl and gently mix until flour is well incorporated. Pour into greased 9×13 inch pan. Bake at 325F for approximately 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

5. Chia Gel
Make chia gel (8-9 parts water to 1 part chia seeds) by soaking chia seeds in water for at least 12 hours. It's best to make small batches. Use clean quart-sized jars filled with three cups water. Stir the water while adding one-third cup chia seeds. Avoid clumping by stirring several times within 10 minutes until chia seeds are well blended and do not separate from the water. Store gel in refrigerator for 12 hours. Chia gel can be added to many foods and drinks. Try using half chia gel and half juice (of any kind). Can also be added to salad dressings, dips, spreads, soups, etc.

6. Super Garlic Dressing
Ingredients:
1 Tbls. Chia seeds
3 Tbls. water
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbls. mustard powder
2 Tbls. raw apple cider vinegar
2 Tbls. extra virgin olive oil
1 teas. salt
Directions:
Let the chia seeds sit in the water for a few minutes until they become gelled. Grate the garlic with a very fine grater. Add the garlic into the chia gel. Add the mustard powder, vinegar, oil and salt. Whisk until well-combined. If it is thicker than you'd like, add a little more water. This is also good with lemon juice in place of the vinegar. Serve over any type of salad.

7. Chocolate Truffles
Ingredients:
1 c. raw walnuts
1/2 c. pitted dates
4 Tbls. raw carob
1/4 c. coconut water
1/2 Tbls. chia seeds
Directions:
Blend the walnuts and dates in a food processor until it reaches a smooth texture. Mix the carob, coconut water and chia seed. Add to nut and date mixture and stir well. Form into balls using your hands. Place on cookie sheet and chill until firm.

THE BEST OF THE REST
1. Sprinkle in with Grape Nuts and/or Trail Mix (about 1 teas. chia seeds).
2. Blend in chia seeds with salad dressing.
3. Mix chia seeds into yogurt.
4. Add to stews and slow-cooker recipes.
5. Chia seeds are terrific added to many foods. Sprinkle into salads, oatmeal, couscous, eggs, muffins, quesadillas, sandwiches, soups, etc.

(Recipes from getchia)

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