The other day I was talking to a good friend who is also a blog reader (Hi, Biral!). After we caught up on recent happenings, we started talking about the blog, recipes I make, and the ingredients I use. Biral mentioned that as much as she wants to try some of the recipes I post/share, she doesn’t because a lot of them include ingredients she’s not familiar with or doesn’t think to buy.
Well, her comment got me thinking. And because of it I’ve decided to start a new feature called ‘Tell me more.’ With this, I hope to share more information about some of the “weird” ingredients I use on a regular basis. However, please note that I am not a nutritionist – this information is based purely on my experience and personal research.
The first ‘Tell me more’ post is about one of my favorite ingredients – chia seeds. And no, I’m not talking about the ch-ch-ch-chia plant!
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are edible seeds rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and a number of vitamins and minerals. They can be stored for long periods of time without going bad (unlike flax seeds), and they don’t need to be ground to reap the health benefits (you can use them as is).
Chia seeds have a nutty flavor and a crunchy texture. And not to worry, they don’t change the way food tastes. Just think of them as texture enhancers!
How can chia seeds be used?
Personally, I use chia in the following ways:
- ~ ½ tablespoon sprinkled on my oatmeal or yogurt bowls
- ~ 1 tablespoon in my smoothies (add along with the rest of the ingredients and blend together)
- incorporated into baked goods (per the specific recipe), pancake/waffle batter, etc.
- as an egg substitute, also known as a ‘chia egg’ (this works, trust me!)
- chia pudding (sounds gross, tastes amazing)
Where would one find chia seeds?
Costco is my go to store for chia. If you’re not a Costco member or if your Costco doesn’t sell chia, I would visit a local health foods store (i.e., Whole Foods). If that isn’t an option, I would look online (iherb is a great resource for this kind of stuff).
Chia can also be found as a key ingredient in prepackaged bars, snacks, and drinks.
How much do chia seeds cost?
It depends. At our Costco, a 32 ounce bag costs about $16. If you’re a first time user, I would recommend buying a smaller bag/container at a place like Whole Foods, which will cost you roughly $12. And I’ve never purchased chia online, but I’m sure, like everything else, the prices vary.
Honestly, when I bought my first bag of chia, I couldn’t believe I was paying so much for what seemed like such a small amount of product. But trust me, it’s worth it. And if nothing else, think of it as a way to invest in your health, where the return far outweighs the cost.
Chia fun facts:
- Among health enthusiasts, 2013 was the year of chia.
- Chia is one of the most concentrated sources of omega-3 in any food, and it also contains high amounts of omega-6.
- Chia got its name from the Mayan word for strength.
- It’s believed that humans (primarily the Aztecs and Mayans) first began using chia seeds around 3500 B.C.
- Insects don’t like the chia plant so it’s easier to find organically grown varieties.
Are you a ch-ch-ch-chia lover? If so, how do you use it?
* * * * *
I am a horrible blogger and forgot to announce the winner of my Cook Smarts giveaway. Better late than never, right?
And the winner is…drum roll please…
Congrats! Please send me your email address (parita84@gmail.com)!
I love chia! I make a ton of variations of chia pudding (love pumpkin or sweet potato in the winter), and it makes a great poppy-like crunch in baked goods.
Yes, I love the texture it helps create as well. The added crunch is a fun bonus!
Such an informative post! I love adding chia seeds to overnight oats- makes such a difference to the overall texture! My only bone with chia seeds is when they stick in your teeth hours after you’re done eating!!
Ohh! I forgot about overnight oats – good one!!
love this series 🙂 chia seeds are awesome – I sprinkle them on my salads besides the oatmeal, granola, and smoothies.
Thanks, D! I’ve never used chia as a salad topper. Will def. have to try that.
I used to -hate- chia seeds because of how they always seemed to get stuck in my teeth, but after giving them another try (never without a toothbrush around), I’ve learned to love em. I love sprinkling them on top of yogurt messes or adding them to smoothies. I still haven’t tried them in oatmeal, and I’m not the -biggest- fan of chia pudding, but maybe I’ll come around.
I wasn’t the biggest fan of chia pudding when I first tried it either but Angela’s recipe is pretty good! 🙂
I eat my chia seeds in the form of toasted Ezekial sprouted whole grain and seed bread–they are coated to outside and inside too; along with flax, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
I have chia seeds, but I’ve been forgetting to use them. i think my oatmeal days will start soon now that it’s fall/winter, nothing like a good bowl of oatmeal + chia. 🙂
I ma a chia seed fan – and eat it raw, put it in shakes, yogurt and oatmeal.
Love this very informative post on Chia – wow – it’s been around alooooong time!
Thanks, Shashi!
Hi back at ya! Loved this informative post. Can’t wait to read more!
Thanks for the idea!!
Ok, I must be naive…I thought the chia pets were some container to hold chia seeds. Oops.
I was abit perplexed when I first tried them, but now love to use them to thicken oats or yogurt or chuck into granola bars.
….I really want a chia pet now.
HAHA omg sorry Arman, I totally laughed out loud.
Parita, I love this series. My friends are always perplexed by the weird things I put in my food. I love using Chia for the extra fiber and nutrients in my yogurt (or sometimes cereal when I’m feeling lazy).
Have a great weekend!
I’m convinced most of my friends think I’m a weirdo when it comes to food! I’m always trying to get them to try new ingredients. 🙂
I wanted a chia pet for most of my childhood but my parents never got one for me! I guess I’m making up for that want in other ways now! 🙂