Chia seeds
I know ~ when you hear chia, that lingering jingle comes to mind and you think of a clay pot that grows it's own hair. Could you have ever imagined that chia was actually a superfood?Well, it's not just for hair replacement anymore.
Did you know chia was a core ingredient, along with corn and beans, in the ancient Aztec diet? They actually believed it gave you strength. Today it's important because 1 tablespoon of chia (tiny almost poppy-like seeds) are a great vegetarian source of omega fatty acids and calcium and it even has 3 grams of protein per serving!
As quality as it's makeup might be, chia is remarkably versatile. Since it looks like a seed, it can function as such in your food ~ it adds a little visual interest, but the flavor is so mild, it can be mixed into anything. For example, last week I made a great cabbage soup with beet greens in a light tomato broth. I threw in a tablespoon of chia, but you'd never know! Last night I even added it to a guacamole-like dip I enjoyed with some high-fiber crackers. One of my friends told me she tosses it into her salads and smoothies. For kids, it's a sneaky way to get them to eat their vegetables (or at least get the healthy nutrients they would get if they ate them.) Your body reaps all of the benefits of chia without compromising the taste of your food ~ how can you not add it to your pantry today?
You will need to hit a specialty market, or even take a look online. I found mine at Organic Avenue in Southampton but I'm not sure they ship their retail items.
What do you do with chia?