It’s not a bird! Not a plane! It’s a… Superfood?!

Many of you hip, food trend-savvy readers have probably already heard of or have even tried chia seeds. Aside from being the filler product of your childhood Chia Pet, chia seeds are noted for curbing hunger and enhancing your diet. Sure, you can sprinkle a few into your protein shake or over some oatmeal, but is that miniscule amount really going to do anything?

The answer: probably not. However, make an entire meal out of the grain-like super food and you’ll really start to reap the benefits. One ounce of chia seeds (about two tablespoons – the recommended serving) contains 139 calories, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and 11 grams of fiber, along with vital Omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins. Unlike its superfood counterparts like Goji Berries (*gagging noise*), chia seeds have a very mild, almost nonexistent taste that allows them to absorb the flavors of whatever they are cooked with.

Wayne Coates, the god of Chia and author of Chia: The Complete Guide to the Ultimate Superfood, has an amazing recipe for Chia pudding that is delicious and super easy to make. You can find chia seeds at Whole Foods or the Berkeley Student Food Collective, or you can just empty the intestines of your discarded Chia Pet. Whatever works for you.

Chia Pudding

2-1/2 cups water

1 cup raw cashews

5 chopped soft pitted dates (soak in water for an hour if hard)

2 tablespoons vanilla extract

1/2 cup raw cacao powder (or nibs)

1/3 cup chia seeds

In a food processor or high speed blender combine the first 4 ingredients. Add the cacao and chia seeds and blend until smooth. Pour into dessert cups. Refrigerate for several hours until firm. Serve with fresh blueberries and coconut shavings for added sweetness.

Makes at least four 1/2 cup servings

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