Have you heard of chia fresca?

Chia seeds are certainly popular among foodies and nutrition buffs. Packed with nutrients, they can easily be used in almost any recipe, and bring an interesting consistency to liquid beverages. When you soak chia seeds, they expand and take on a slightly gelatinous texture, somewhat like tomato seeds or tapioca. This quality of chia seeds is what gives chia fresca, a drink popular in Central America, its surprising texture.

  

How to make chia fresca

Refreshingly nutritious, flavourful and very original, this drink is sure to please!

Ingredients (2 servings)

• 2 cups of cold water
• 1 sprig of fresh mint
• 1 tbsp of chia seeds (whole)
• Juice of half a lime
• 1 tsp of your choice of liquid sweetener (honey, maple syrup, agave syrup)
• 5 or 6 mashed or pureed strawberries (optional)

Preparation

• Remove the leaves off the mint stem and roll them between your hands to release their flavour.
• Pour the water into a pitcher and add the mint leaves and chia seeds.
• Let it sit for 20 minutes, stirring often to prevent the seeds from sticking together as they expand.
• Add the lime juice and liquid sweetener. Adjust the flavour by adding more lime juice or sugar to taste.
• Whisk in the strawberry purée and stir well.
• Decorate the glass with sliced fruits as you wish if you are feeling especially fancy and enjoy!

The texture might surprise you at first, but we’re sure that you’ll come to love it. Drink your chia fresca with a recyclable straw to recreate the sensation of sipping bubble tea!

Some interesting facts about chia seeds

• Chia is an important source of fibre and vegetable omega-3 fatty acid oils.
• It is also rich in calcium, iron and vitamin C.
• Chia seeds can be consumed whole or ground. Grinding them improves the availability of their nutrients.
• Chia seeds can be consumed dry or soaked. It all depends on the recipe you are using and the texture you’re after.
• You can substitute eggs for ground chia seeds mixed with water in most recipes.