Despite their small size, chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses. Once you know how to soak chia seeds, you’ll be able to enjoy them all the time. It only takes 20 minutes to soak them in water or your alternative milk of choice. After soaking, the seeds take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding—and you can use them to thicken or bind various recipes.
You can refrigerate soaked chia seeds for up to five days, so make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Our favorite ways to use them include stirring a couple of spoonfuls into a smoothie or oatmeal—or layering them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a parfait.
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What Are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are considered a superfood and are known for both their nutritional value and versatility. The seeds are the edible portion of Salvia hispanica, a plant from the mint family that is native to the desert in Central America. Today the seeds are grown commercially in many countries.
They can be white or black. Many of the chia seeds sold in grocery stores are a mix of black and white chia.
Chia seeds can be eaten raw, soaked in water, ground into a chia seed powder, used as an ingredient in recipes, or even used as a thickening agent to replace eggs or dairy in vegan recipes.
What Chia Seeds Taste Like
Chia seeds have a mild taste, and take on the flavor of what they are added to.
How to Store Chia Seeds
Dry chia seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry. They should last for six months or more. Make sure they are still good to use by checking they smell fresh not rancid before you soak them.
How Long to Soak Chia Seeds For
When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture.
Directions
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Soak the seeds:
Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes.
Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week.
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Ways to Use Soaked Chia Seeds
- Stir a couple of spoonfuls of soaked chia seeds into a smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal.
- For a parfait: mix 1/2 cup soaked seeds with 2 tablespoons almond milk; top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do chia seeds need to be soaked?
Chia seeds can be eaten dry but may get stuck in your throat and pose a potential choking hazard. This is why most preparations call for soaking chia seeds before using them. We find they are also more palatable when soaked.
Is it better to soak chia seeds in milk or water?
That’s a matter of personal preference. If you soak them in water they have less flavor than if they are soaked in a non-dairy milk. When soaked in a milk, they take on the flavor of the milk.
