What Are Chia Seeds Good For Anyway?
Sure you've had chia pudding, but maybe you're wondering what are chia seeds good for besides physically transformation that’s straight out of a John Hughes movie and getting stuck in your teeth? First thing's first: Yes, they're the same seed that powered the Chia Pets craze in the ‘80s. Now that we've got that established, here's everything else you need to know.
Where they come from:
Chia seeds come salvia hispanica, a flowering mint plant native to parts of Mexico and Guatemala. Its seeds are one of the oldest forms of nutrition—a staple of of Mayan and Aztec diets that became popular in the Western world around a decade ago. They're pretty much tasteless and odorless, but their most obvious characteristic is that they absorb a shocking amount of liquid—up to 10 times their dry weight—swelling into tapioca-like balls beloved by healthy breakfast fanatics and feared by anyone with trypophobia.
Turmeric-Ginger Tonic with Chia Seeds
Why we love them:
The term “superfood” gets tossed around a lot these days, but chia seeds are one of those trendy ingredients that actually deserves the title. The small seeds hold the holy trinity of nutrition—fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids— which promote slow digestion and a subsequently steady stream of energy. Chia seeds also contain key minerals like calcium and magnesium, and all nine essential amino acids. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free and vegan.
What to look for:
It’s common to spot speckled black chia seeds, but white seeds are also available. The only difference is aesthetic. Solid brown seeds aren’t yet mature, and you should probably avoid adding them to your smoothies—their stunted development translates into limited nutritional benefits and an unpleasantly bitter taste. Once purchased, chia seeds can be safely stored in a cool, dry place for several years.
Blueberry-Chia Ice Pops
Where to buy them:
These days, chia seeds are pretty common. You can find them in health food stores and major supermarkets. They’re also available on Amazon and Thrive Market.
How to use them:
Chia seeds have an extremely subtle flavor, and are therefore prioritized for texture over taste. They’re most commonly used in puddings (both for breakfast and dessert), but we also use them to give body to tonics, smoothies, jams, and even crackers. Sprinkled dry over salads and grain bowls, they give the perfect amount of crunch.
Now, put that bag of chia seeds to good use:
Coconut Chia-Tapioca Pudding
