July | 2014 | Alkame Smoothies

Chia seeds and why we can’t get enough of them

Let’s talk chia seeds. As I am writing this I am also tucking in to a breakfast favourite (though it’s good anytime of the day) – a chia seed pudding. For those who have no idea what chia seeds are, let alone what to do with them, let me enlighten you.

Chia seeds are tiny white or dark brown seeds that pack a BIG nutritional punch! They are a good source of calcium, healthy omega 3 fats, are packed with fibre and contain high levels of manganese and phosphorus, which are both great for bone health.

Chia seeds expand to about 4 times their size when added to liquid and go slightly gelatinous, this makes them great for a filling breakfast when made into chia pots or when added to a green smoothie. The perfect for a healthy snacks that will keep you satisfied between meals.

One of our favourite ways to have chia seeds is in a chia pot, if you live in West London you can now get our chia pots made to order and delivered to your door as part of our home delivery service (contact info@alkamesmoothies.com for more information).

If you don’t live in West London you could try making a variation of our chia pot at home. For our current favourite, the apple and cinnamon chia pot, you will need the following:

2 tablespoons of chia seed (whole not milled)
1 apple
1 handful of flaked almonds
1 tsp cinnamon
3 tablespoons of good quality maple syrup
2-3 tablespoons of fresh almond milk

Instructions

Chop the apple into small pieces and put in a baking tray with the flaked almonds. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup and the cinnamon. Mix the apple, flaked almonds, cinnamon and maple syrup and put in the oven at 160 degrees for about 45-55 minutes (check on it halfway through and give it another mix).

In a small kilner jar (we use 125ml ones) add the chia seeds, the rest of the maple syrup and the almond milk. Mix well and put in the fridge for at least an hour.

Once the apple, cinnamon and almond mix is ready, take out of the oven and leave to cool. Once cooled add half to the chia seed mixture and stir well. Leave in the fridge for a couple of hours – we usually make ours the night before and leave in the fridge overnight.

When you are ready to eat add the rest of the (now crunchy) apple and almond mix to the chia mixture and eat!