Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seeds, are loaded with omega fatty acids, protein, minerals, vitamins, and fiber. Even better, when introduced to a liquid they absorb it and transform into a gel-like consistency. This is perfect for adding to recipes as a thickener or egg-substitute (pancakes!).

They also make a great base for a simple two ingredient pudding.

 
Ingredients:

3-4 tbsp Chia seeds

8 oz unsweetened almond milk/coconut milk

Optional toppings:
Vanilla extract, honey, agave nectar, maple syrup, nutmeg, cinnamon, cocoa powder, coconut flakes, graham cracker crumbles, granola, fresh fruit, etc…


Directions:

Combine the chia seeds and room temperature almond milk into a bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for approximately 30 – 60 minutes. Mix every 5 – 10 minutes to break up clumps. Once pudding is at the desired consistency, mix in any option items you want and enjoy!

Jules Fuel "No Added Weirdness"

Just in time for the start of the 2014 Winter Olympics, we are extremely excited to add a brand new line of Olympian created breakfast food to our ever growing selection. Born and raised underneath the slopes of Whistler, 2010 Ski Cross Olympian and World Champion medalist Julia Murray has long been perfecting a true “breakfast of champions” and is currently studying to become a Registered Holistic Nutritionist.

While training for the Olympics, Julia found that the traditional options for the morning meal just weren’t cutting it. She needed something that would make her feel full and give her the energy needed to make run after run down the icy slopes, but wouldn’t make her feel heavy and weighed down. What developed was an innovative cereal that is “100% organic, vegan, low-glycemic, nutrient-dense, high fibre, antioxidant-rich, and, in her own words, 'Purely Vitalicious’.”

Each bag contains six servings of cereal, with a superfood ingredient list that will impress even the most picky of healthy eaters.

• Quinoa, the “mother grain,” is a low-glycemic source of protein.
• Goji berries for a metabolism and vitamin C boost.
• Chia seeds with tons of antioxidants, omega3 and 6 fatty acids.
• Sunflower seeds, whose folic acid prevent bad cholesterol from sticking around.
• Pumpkin seeds with iron and magnesium to balance blood sugar.
• Flax seeds, high in fiber and antioxidants and helps reduce the risk of colon cancer.
• Rolled Oats to lower cholesterol and boost your energy and your immune system.
• Thompson Raisins with potassium for your heart and anti-inflammatory qualities to keep your body moving.

Those of us lucky enough to frequent the Whistler Farmers Market this past year have even had a chance to see “Jules Fuel” for ourselves as she sought feedback from her customers and tested marketability. With resounding success amongst the eager slope-goers and health conscientious residents, Julia has thrown her entrepreneurial spirit into the next step.

Sharing it with the rest of the world!

Green Earth Organics is thrilled to support our own local Olympian, Julia in her quest to bring “Jules Fuel” into the Vancouver market.

Buy Juels Fuel now from our Sea to Sky location or our Vancouver location.

Creamy Greek Salad Dressing

INGREDIENTS

1 cup of unsweetened milk alternative
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 clove garlic, peeled and chopped
1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dry oregano
1 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds
Sea salt and ground pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS

Mix the milk alternative, lemon juice, garlic, lemon peel, oregano, chia seeds, and salt and pepper in a blender on high until thoroughly blended.

Scrape the dressing into a container and let it sit for about 15 minutes to thicken. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Makes about 8 servings of 2 tablespoons each.

Fresh Berry Pudding

INGREDIENTS

1 cup strawberries, cleaned and tops removed
3/4 cup blueberries
2 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 pitted dates
2 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds

DIRECTIONS

In a blender, puree the berries, water, lemon juices, and dates until completely smooth. Transfer to a jar or bowl and stir in the chia seeds. Refrigerate for at least an hour, then stir one more time and serve chilled.

Make this up the night before for a quick and delicious breakfast.

Raisin Cookie Refrigerator Oatmeal

A satisfying breakfast for fast-moving mornings. This is a very flexible recipe: start with oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and a liquid, then sweeten and flavour however you want. Also delicious with fresh fruit instead of dried.

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup rolled oats
1 Tbsp chia seeds
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp raw agave
1/8 tsp vanilla
2 - 4 Tbsp raisins
1/2 tsp cinnamon
2 - 4 Tbsp toasted and coarsely chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS

The night before, combine all the ingredients except the walnuts in a container with a tight fitting lid. Stir well and leave in the refrigerator overnight. In the morning, stir in the walnuts, if using, and enjoy!

Variations:

1. Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, milk, and agave with a tablespoon of cocoa powder. In the morning, add half a banana or a handful of strawberries, chopped.

2. Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, and milk with a teaspoon of amaretto agave (or another sweetener and 1/8 teaspoon of almond extract). In the morning, add a handful of fresh blueberries and a couple of tablespoons of chopped roasted almonds.

3. Combine rolled oats, chia seeds, and yogurt. Use 1/3 cup chai concentrate in place of milk and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of raisins (optional). Stir well. In the morning, sweeten to taste with agave or honey.

About Chia Seeds

Every time I tell someone about chia seeds, they reference Chia Pets. Those commercials (ch-ch-ch-chia!) have sure had a cultural impact. It may be a bit of a shame that this superfood has been reduced to the same status as pet rocks and lava lamps, but at least people will remember the name and know how to pronounce it if they want to find it in the store ("quinoa" or "acai", anyone?).

I fell in love with chia seeds in a cereal I found in a health store. Unfortunately, the cereal wasn't organic, so I went about making my own organic version, then began finding other recipes calling for these healthy little seeds.

Chia seeds are a source of essential fatty acids (EFAs), like Omega-3. Unlike other seeds, though, chia seeds are easily digested and do not have to be ground to get their full nutritional value.

Many people recommend soaking the seeds for anywhere from 5 minutes to overnight to create a gel. This reaction may be part of why chia seeds are so digestible, and it creates a very interesting texture to add to breakfast cereal, yogurt, and raw puddings. This gel can also be used in baking: divide the amount of butter or oil in half, and then use the same amount of chia gel to fill in. The gel can also be used as an egg substitute.

Chia seeds are very high in antioxidants, so they keep for longer than other high-EFA seeds, like flax. Chia seeds are also a complete protein and provide fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

Best of all, these seeds are fairly neutral-tasting, so they can be added to a wide variety of foods without changing the taste. Try mixing them into apple sauce, bbq sauce, salad, homemade bread, beverages, hamburgers, and more. Give your favourite food a ch-ch-ch-chia boost!