Is it really necessary to pre-soak chia seeds before adding to smoothies?

[cara4art]

I haven't been doing this, but just adding them dry and blending them along with all my other green smoothie ingredients. Is this bad, or should I be doing the pre-soaking overnight or something to get the full benefit of the chia seeds? As it is, I think they are the best thing since sliced....oops, I don't eat bread anymore - LOL!

[les]

I've done it both ways and I really don't notice a difference--not sure about the enzyme release though if you don't soak them

[Dimond]

If you soak it for several hrs, you'll get the full nutritional value. A batch is usually enough for a couple of weeks if you just use 1-3 Tbs so you don't have to constantly make it. There is also sprouted chia seed powder you can buy that doesn't require soaking.

[GlimR]

I grind mine in a coffee grinder and keep in the freezer...I add that to my smoothies.works for me~

[cara4art]

"If you soak it for several hrs, you'll get the full nutritional value. A batch is usually enough for a couple of weeks if you just use 1-3 Tbs so you don't have to constantly make it. There is also sprouted chia seed powder you can buy that doesn't require soaking." - GilmoreGirl

What is a "batch"? - I know I sound clueless here - tell me exactly what you do, like how much water, and how much chia seeds, and what quantity you add of the mixture to the smoothies? I'm trying to keep this really simple, and I thought I had a good thing going with just dumping the seeds in straight, but I guess not. I DO really notice a good difference in energy, strength and endurance though at the gym, so I'm definitely must be getting nutritional value. And it is definitely the seeds, because I got onto green smoothies way before chia seeds! The way I've been doing it is to add 1.5 tablespoons of chia seeds to my other smoothie stuff and blend away!

[Dimond]

1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water (yields around 17oz.) Stir well, put in sealed jar/container in fridge (glass is best). Shelf Life is 3 wks. Usually people use 2-3 Tbs, some 1.

That's great that you're getting benefits. Maybe you will only need 1 Tbs of it soaked.

[walnutty]

1/3 cup of seeds (2oz) to 2 cups of water (yields around 17oz.)


Gilmore Girl,

Does this ratio make it "pudding" consistency?

Thanks!

[Dimond]

It makes it into a gel, which then you can use in whatever recipe you want.

[Lelê]

Until yesterday, I soaked them for about 20 minutes or so and then blended the jelly thing in the smoothie. I always soaked because my son's (holistic) dentist recommended that way...

But as off this morning, I'm soaking and adding in the end, without mixing it in the blender. Since I make enough smoothie for the day, I want the chia to keep soaking in the smoothie while it sits there... I don't know if it'll make a difference, but let's see....

ETA: I totally didn't answer your question, sorry... :p

[walnutty]

It makes it into a gel, which then you can use in whatever recipe you want.

Gilmore Girl,

So it is NOT as thick as pudding?

If I wanted pudding consistency would I just add more chia?

Thanks!

[Dimond]

Not quite pudding consistency. Either less water or more chia seeds will make it thicker. Other ingredients you add should help thicken it too.