Food & Cooking Recipes Breakfast & Brunch Recipes Soaked Chia Seeds 5.0 (2) 1 Review In 20 minutes, you'll have a healthy and delicious base for fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. By Martha Stewart Martha Stewart Martha Stewart is a bestselling author, entrepreneur, and lifestyle expert who has taught millions of people through generations the joy of entertaining, cooking, gardening, collecting, crafting, and home renovating via her eponymous magazine, Martha Stewart Living, Emmy-winning television shows, and 99 books (and counting). Based in Katonah, N.Y., where she helms her 156-acre Bedford Farm, Martha is America's first self-made female billionaire. Editorial Guidelines Updated on December 20, 2024 Rate PRINT Share Jump to recipe Despite their small size, chia seeds are nutritional powerhouses. Once you know how to soak chia seeds, you’ll be able to enjoy them all the time. It only takes 20 minutes to soak them in water or your milk of choice. After they have been soaked, the seeds take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding—and you can use them to thicken or bind various recipes. You can refrigerate soaked chia seeds for up to five days, so make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy them throughout the week. Our favorite ways to use them include stirring a couple of spoonfuls into a smoothie or oatmeal—or layering them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a parfait. 5 Mistakes You're Making When Eating Chia Seeds Julia Hartbeck What Are Chia Seeds? Chia seeds are considered a superfood and are known for both their nutritional value and versatility. The seeds are the edible portion of Salvia hispanica, a plant from the mint family that is native to the desert in Mexico and Central America. They have been consumed for centuries and were a staple in the diets of the Aztecs and Mayans. Today the seeds are grown commercially in many countries. They can be white or black. Many of the chia seeds sold in grocery stores are a mix of black and white chia. Chia seeds can be eaten raw, soaked in water, ground into a chia seed powder, used as an ingredient in recipes, or even used as a thickening agent to replace eggs or dairy in vegan recipes. What Chia Seeds Taste Like Chia seeds have a mild taste, and take on the flavor of what they are added to. How to Store Chia Seeds Dry chia seeds should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place like a pantry. They should last for six months or more. Make sure they are still good to use by checking they smell fresh, not rancid, before you soak them. How Long to Soak Chia Seeds When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture. Cook Mode (Keep screen awake) Ingredients Chia seeds Almond milk or water Directions Julia Hartbeck Soak the seeds: Soak the seeds in almond milk or water (1/4 cup seeds to 1 cup liquid) until they take on a chewy texture reminiscent of tapioca pudding, about 20 minutes. Julia Hartbeck Julia Hartbeck Soaked chia seeds can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, so you can make a big batch at the start of the week. Easy Ways to Use Soaked Chia Seeds Stir a couple of spoonfuls of soaked chia seeds into a smoothie, yogurt, or oatmeal.Make a parfait: Mix 1/2 cup soaked seeds with 2 tablespoons almond milk; top with fresh fruit and a drizzle of maple syrup. Frequently Asked Questions Do chia seeds need to be soaked? No, chia seeds do not need to be soaked—they can be eaten dry, but we do not recommend this as they may get stuck in your throat and pose a potential choking hazard. This is why most preparations call for soaking chia seeds before using them. We find they are also more palatable when soaked. Is it better to soak chia seeds in milk or water? Whether it is better to soak chia seeds in milk or water is a matter of personal preference. If you soak them in water they have less flavor than if they are soaked in milk. When soaked in milk, they take on the flavor of the milk. What is a chia egg? A chia egg is not really an egg, but it is a vegan egg replacement. Chia seeds have a thin exterior hull that is hydrophilic, meaning they bind with water. When soaked in liquid, the hulls of chia seeds expand and form a gelatinous substance. This natural gel adds structure to baked goods. To make a chia egg: mix 1 tablespoon of chia seeds with 3 tablespoons water, stir, and let sit for 10-15 minutes so the water absorbs. Rate It PRINT Updated by Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer Victoria Spencer is an experienced food editor, writer, and recipe developer. She manages the Martha Stewart recipe archive and is always curious about new ingredients and the best techniques. She has been working in food media for over 20 years.