chia seeds…
they’ve been floating around healthy food blogs, popping up everywhere, for a few years now. for no particularly good reason at all, i hadn’t yet jumped on board.
and then for no particularly good reason, i did. and am i ever glad.
functionally, these little seeds are magical. they are basically the simplest thickener ever. they love water and become gel-like when in it’s presence. (hydrophilic for you science lovers.) this means it makes the quickest and easiest pudding, jams, and jellies in the world. and even can be helpful as a binder in gluten-free baking (that may be my next project).
nutritionally, if you google “chia health benefits” you’ll immediately find pages upon pages singing the praises of the little seed. incredibly high in fiber. an excellent source of protein. high in antioxidants. good for satiety. super high in omega-3s. full of nutrients like magnesium, phosphorus, calcium and manganese.
clearly the reputation of chia has come a long way from the window-sill pets of my childhood.
i’ve made a super simple jam as my first foray into the magical world of chia… i love the fresh flavor combination of the pluots and the lime.
i think this is only the beginning…
Pluot Lime Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 3 pluots pitted and chopped
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup water
- zest of an organic lime
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla paste
Instructions
- Combine pluots, honey and water in a medium saucepan. Simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes. Mash fruit well; stir in lime rind, chia seeds, and vanilla paste. Mixture will thicken as it cools. Store in the refrigerator. Serve on toast, yogurt, or oatmeal. Or anywhere else you'd like.
