can you make crackers or bread without flax?

[SeaRose]

I really hate flax seeds! Slimy and disgusting. But every recipe for bread and crackers that I have found contain flax in some form. Does anyone know of a recipe that doesn't have flax? Thanks for your help!

[Veganforlife]

Flax seed is used for it's binding purposes. I wonder if chia seeds would work for any recipe calling for flax?

Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. You may have seen chia sprouts growing on the novelty planters called Chia Pets, but historically, the seeds have been the most important part of the plant. In pre-Columbian times they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. I've read that one tablespoon was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.

Chia is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. And it has another advantage over flax: chia is so rich in antioxidants that the seeds don't deteriorate and can be stored for long periods without becoming rancid. And, unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. Chia seeds also provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, molybdenum, niacin, and zinc.

Another advantage: when added to water and allowed to sit for 30 minutes, chia forms a gel. Researchers suggest that this reaction also takes place in the stomach, slowing the process by which digestive enzymes break down carbohydrates and convert them into sugar.

Chia has a nutlike flavor.

[SeaRose]

Wow! Thanks for the info! I consider myself pretty knowledgeable about this kind of stuff, and I have never heard of chia seeds. Well, I have heard of chia pets. Never bought one though! Anyway, I will see if I can find some and give this a try. Thanks again!

[Tirza]

Chia seeds also develop a gel. So if you don't like that.....

Plus, I think they are much more expensive than flax. At least they are here.

Don't discount flax too easily. It is a prime source for Omega 3's and more. My cracker recipe doesn't call for them to be soaked. Most of the seeds are ground, so you don't get the whole seeds slipping around in your mouth as much. You could grind them all, then use them unsoaked. The crackers are then like a dense whole grain cracker.

[Veganforlife]

SeaRose - check out this link. Even though these crackers have flax seed in them - which is ground, they are VERY good!
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21233&highlight=ritz

[SeaRose]

Thanks for the link to the recipe, Veganforlife, it sounds great. I am allergic to zucchini, tho, I wonder if I could substitute cucumbers?

Thanks for all the help!

[RainbowAngel]

Well flax is usually used to keep what ever you making together and by the way i really don't like flax either can't stand it whne it's formented, and i'v found that Psyllium works just the same but it does not have the weired taste!!!!!!!!!!

[aubrey]

Thank you sooooo much for this thread!

I have been trying to make stuff with flax lately, and I like the flavor before I put it in the dehydrator, but after it comes out, the taste makes me gag, and its definitely the flax!

I have been using raw almond meal, and that has been working really well for me. I tried a batch of pizza bread with the almond meal, and it came out fine, and I also used it in the corn tortillas and it worked well there, too. I like the almond because I think the flavor of almonds is more subtle, and it seems to take on the flavor of the other ingrdients more than the flax does. I just went out and bought some flax seed oil supplements... :) I feel like a wimp for doing that, but I just couldn't take the flavor anymore.

Thanks for the recommendation on the chia seeds! I'll have to try that out!

[Smileen]

I used chia seeds in place of flax in the famous "onion bread" recipe and it is DEELISH!

[Frog]

SeaRose - check out this link. Even though these crackers have flax seed in them - which is ground, they are VERY good!
http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21233&highlight=ritz



Thanks for that link!

[jaurequi]

Other advantages to Chia seeds:

Has highest amount of Omega3 fatty acids than any other food-better than flax

Has a long shelf life -- withOUT refrigeration

Provides energy, and, for those wanting to lose weight, amazing satiety for hours on end. I can testify to this.

The oil is known for (and presently being studied for) healing various skin problems like eczemas. It is also excellent for anyone wanting gorgeous, younger skin - that, I can testify to as well.
Best,