On a hot summer day, what’s better than chilling oin the shade with a cold, refreshing drink? Not much. Skip those unhealthy options (goodbye soda and beer) and opt for something healthier — a chilled chia-infused beverage.
Chia seeds are a rich source of protein, antioxidants, essential omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals (such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium) and fiber.
Chia seeds are a rich source of protein, antioxidants, essential omega-3 fatty acids, essential minerals (such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium) and fiber. Adding these super seeds to your favorite beverage is a great way to give it some nutritional power. Chia is a powerful source of energy and helps quench thirst — in ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures it was a common ingredient in endurance tonics. It is also believed to help muscles repair and recover faster from strenuous workouts.
Chia is a powerful source of energy and helps quench thirst — in ancient Mayan and Aztec cultures it was a common ingredient in endurance tonics.
You can find chia seeds in most supermarkets and health food stores these days. There’s very little difference between black and white chia, they contain the same nutrients and function the same way. Preference is often based purely of appearance. Try both, and see what you prefer — in these recipes, feel free to swap black for white, white for black or go crazy and mix them — just look for an organic variety. Nutiva sells both black, white and ground chia seeds (which can be easier to use in some recipes). For good quality organic teas to use in these recipes, check out Numi.
Iced Tea + Lemonade with Chia Seeds
Chia adds a superfood boost, while lemonade adds a light sweetness to the crisp, refreshing flavor of black tea.
Ingredients
1/2 tsp organic clack chia seeds
2 tbsp water, room temperature
1 organic black tea bag (Breakfast Blend or similar)
½ cup water, boiling
½ cup lemonade
Ice cubes
Lemon slices
Directions
1. Add chia seeds to 2 tbsp. of room temperature water. Stir to combine, and set aside for 5 minutes, until chia softens.
2. Meanwhile, bring ½ cup of water to boil.
3. Steep tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Discard tea bag and pour tea into a tall glass. Add lemonade and chia seeds and stir to combine.
5. Top with ice, garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
Iced Green Tea with White Chia Seeds
Iced Green Tea is the perfect refreshment on a warm day. Chia seeds give your tea a superfood boost of omega-3s, protein, antioxidants and fiber.
Ingredients
1/2 tsp organic white chia seeds
2 tbsp water, room temperature
1 jasmine green tea bag
1 cup water, boiling
Ice cubes
Sliced cucumber to garnish
Directions
1. Add chia seeds to 2 tbsp. of room temperature water. Stir to combine, and set aside for 5 minutes, until chia softens.
2. Meanwhile, bring 1 cup of water to boil.
3. Steep tea bag in hot water for 3 minutes.
4. Discard tea bag and pour tea into a tall glass. Add chia seeds and stir to combine.
5. Top with ice, garnish with cucumber slices and serve.
Iced Mint Tea with Chia Seeds
Iced Mint Tea is refreshing and invigorating; chia seeds add omega-3s, protein, antioxidants and fiber.
Ingredients
1/2 tsp organic white chia seeds
2 tbsp water, room temperature
1 organic mint tea bag
1 cup water, boiling
Ice cubes
Fresh mint leaves to garnish
Directions
1. Add chia seeds to 2 tbsp. of room temperature water. Stir to combine, and set aside for 5 minutes, until chia softens.
2. Meanwhile, bring 1 cup of water to boil.
3. Steep tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Discard teasan bag and pour tea into a tall glass. Add chia seeds and stir to combine.
5. Top with ice, garnish with fresh mint and serve. Optional: Add strawberry slices.
Black Iced Tea with Chia Seeds
Serve this delightful, slightly sweet iced tea to accompany a summer luncheon. Chia seeds add nutrients and help keep you satiated and hydrated.
Ingredients
1/2 tsp organic black chia seeds
2 tbsp water, room temperature
1 organic black tea bag (Breakfast Blend or similar)
1 cup water, boiling
Ice cubes
Lemon slices
Directions
1. Add chia seeds to 2 tbsp. of room temperature water. Stir to combine, and set aside for 5 minutes, until chia softens.
2. Meanwhile, bring 1 cup of water to boil.
3. Steep tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes.
4. Discard tea bag and pour tea into a tall glass. Add chia seeds and stir to combine.
5. Top with ice, garnish with a lemon wedge and serve.
Recipes courtesy of Nutiva.