With a metallic dark color and mottled skin, Chia seeds are delightfully crunchy. Once you rehydrate them in water, as the popular Lime based Agua Fresca, they become covered in an irresistible gelatinous layer. No wonder the word chia comes from the náhuatl name chian, which means oily.
Scientifically, Salvia Hispanica, they come from a flowering plant from the mint family. Some new wave health oriented groups, call it “the Miracle seed”. They are indeed miraculous for good digestion and some say weight loss.
In Mexico they have been used for centuries. In Aztec times, aside from eating, they were one of the main means of exchange and also used for religious rituals.
Take a peek, they are quite lovely.
They are also a great source of protein and fiber. When ground, Chia can be used to make baked goods like breads, cakes and cookies. You can also eat the sprouts, as they are very similar to alfalfa sprouts, and are delicious in salads.
I know what you may say, as many American friends have told me when I hand a glass of Limonada with Chia seeds… are these the same as the Chia Pets?
Well, yes they are, you can have them as pets too!
Comments
9comments inChia Seeds
Leslie
Mar 01
Dear Pati,
I am wondering if there are other old fashioned way.. I am in the dark.. Maybe I can make it with other roasted or dry ingredients.
I Love them very but they upset my tummy if i drink them or they ruin my clothes and stick everything. I dont have a mommy to teach me me the tricks on this one. Please advise I do enjoy Mole … Do you have a section in your books or blog that can teach me about chia ?
Thank you for your beautiful show… It is so wonderful…
Pati
Mar 05
Thanks so much for your comment, Leslie. You can read a bit more about chia seeds in this same post http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/chia_seeds/
Chia Lovers
Mar 20
Excellent information! I love your images as well. Did you know that “Chia” is a Mayan word for “Strength”? I love them for so many reasons. It can be used in any of your favorite foods. They are tasteless and make a great snack.
Pati
Mar 20
Thank you!!
Judy George
Jul 24
This is why I love your program and website – always great info! I had just started hearing about these and was curious. Now, we’ll give them a try. Thanks!
Km Koesler
Jul 23
I’ve been enjoying chia for over a year now, drinking 1TBL in a quart of water every day. I LOVE it! It hydrates, tastes vaguely like cucumbers, nourishes, is high in depression busting Omega oils, and I’ve lost 30lbs without dieting in that time. I’d love to see some recipes using my “frogs’ eggs” as my kids call the seed floating in my water bottle.
Pati Jinich
Jul 28
I’m so happy to hear that you are so familiar with chia seeds, and that you truly love using them. I also think that is adorable to refer to them as frog eggs, and could see my boys doing the same. I will post some recipes very soon so that you can enjoy a variety of options with chia seeds.
Rachel Duran
Jul 22
Hi Patie,
I orderd your them song and just love it. Was trying to burn a copy to share it with my Daughter, but was unable to. Can you direct me to the site that can help. Thank You. PS I’ve tried all your dises except the Flan. That’s next on my list and the pig’s. I just received my pigie cookie cutters. You should sell them on your web site. They would fly off the racks.
Pati Jinich
Jul 28
Hi Rachel, You are too kind, and I’m so impressed that you tried so many of the recipes. I sincerely hope you enjoyed them! The only way to get the song is to find it here: http://bit.ly/pz85JB . Another option is to purchase the cd, which is great!