New to Chia

[FrannieGreen]

Good morning,
I am new to using chia seeds.
I found that I should put them in liquid (9 to 1 ratio).

But one question.
Do I grind them up "before" putting in liquid?
I really can't find a good article regarding whether to
grind or use whole.

Anyone have experience with chia seeds.

Off to work, will check in later.
Frannie

[Dimond]

They should already be quite small so no need to grind. Just soak and it turns into a gel. You can also soak with other ingredients.

[Veganforlife]

Oh I LOVE Chia seeds. Look at this thread. AND what I do is soak them whole and then in the morning down about two tablespoons' worth. They have no taste. But I view them as little bladders of water and life!

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/showthread.php?t=41303&highlight=chia

[FrannieGreen]

Good morning,
I put 1 Tablespoon Chia to 9 Tablespoon of coconut milk. It did not turn to
gel. I set it out on counter for 10 minutes. Then covered and put in fridge.
It is definately thicker,...I was expecting it to be the consistancy of ...hmmmm
say loose jello.
Do you think the coconut milk was too thick to begin with?
The seeds are fresh.
I will try in plain water and see what happens.
Thank you
Frannie

[NaiveJeanette]

I use chia seeds like this:

1:3 ratio in almond milk mixed with cinnamon, agave, and some maca. It's soo delicious! like eating cereal. then it mushes/gels up and its even more delicious

[FrannieGreen]

Yum...that sounds so good NaiveJeanette.
I will put that on my list of breakfasts to try.
Thank you.

[Veganforlife]

Throw some raisins or nuts or both in there too!!!;)

[laura-jane]

I'm addicted to this chia concoction (http://rawtarian.wordpress.com/2009/09/27/raw-chia-tapioca-pudding-recipe/). It's a lot like tapioca. In that recipe I don't grind the seeds as I like the texture of the little chia balls--again, like tapioca.

I haven't used chia seeds in any other recipes yet, though.