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plant-based and free of gluten and the top 8 allergens<\/p><\/div>\n

This chia pudding with citrus tastes like sunshine in a bowl. Make this magical dish for a decadent breakfast, healthy snack, or dessert.<\/p>\n

During this difficult time in our world, it’s important to do everything we can to stay healthy. Packed with amazing health benefits, chia seeds also help strengthen the immune system.<\/div>\n

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This pudding was first created to share with a friend who is working on lowering her platelet count. Not only perfect for helping to lower platelets, but perfect for improving health…<\/div>\n

What are Platelets?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Platelets are made in your bone marrow along with white and red blood cells. These tiny blood cells help your body form clots to stop bleeding. Having too many platelets causes the blood to be thick and flow more slowly, and can lead to a clot in the blood vessels.<\/p>\n

We chose chia seeds because they are one of the most nutritious foods on the planet, loaded with protein, fiber, micronutrients, and omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids contribute to the flexibility of cell membranes, making them more slippery so that platelets are less sticky and less likely to clump together in the blood.<\/p>\n

Next, bring on the oranges. Oranges contain salicylates, which help prevent clotting and thin the blood. And what a great time to get a variety of peak season oranges!<\/p>\n

Cinnamon is known to reduce the accumulation of platelets and therefore blood clotting. So let’s add a little cinnamon.<\/p>\n

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mise en place<\/p><\/div>\n
Types of Cinnamon<\/strong><\/p>\n
There are 2 types of cinnamon, Cassia (known as regular) and Ceylon (known as true cinnamon).<\/a><\/strong> Most cinnamon available on the market is Cassia. Cassia cinnamon contains high amounts of coumarin, which has been linked to conditions like liver damage, cancer, mouth sores, and low blood sugar.<\/p>\n
Ceylon only contains trace amounts of coumarin. If possible, purchase only Ceylon. And enjoy cinnamon, as it’s one of the healthiest spices around!<\/p>\n
Whether or not you’re watching your platelet count, let’s make one of the healthiest puddings ever!<\/p>\n
There are different recommendations for the best chia pudding ratio. Making this several times, the ratio we found that works best is 1\/2 cup chia seeds to 2 cups milk.<\/p>\n
Black Chia Vs White Chia<\/strong><\/p>\n
The black chia seeds<\/a><\/strong> make up the majority of chia seeds grown today. Nutritional differences are so marginal that most consider them equal. Black chia seeds have a slightly higher protein content, while white chia seeds are slightly higher in ALA Omega-3 fatty acids.<\/p>\n
Most people make their decision purely on aesthetics. We just happened to have white chia seeds. However, black chia seeds are more readily available and are equally as good.<\/p>\n
Choose Your Oranges<\/strong><\/p>\n
From blood oranges to Valencia, satsuma, and tangerines, there are so many choices.<\/p>\n
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Using a sharp knife, carefully slice off the top and bottom of each orange.<\/p>\n
With even downward strokes, slice the skin away from the flesh, as shown below. Remove any remaining white pith. Cut crosswise into slices, or for segments, cut between the membranes to segment the orange. Place slices or segments in a container and store in the fridge until ready to serve the pudding.<\/p>\n
$\"Chia$ <\/p>\n
Easy as 1-2-3<\/strong><\/p>\n
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In a large bowl, whisk together chia seeds, alternative milk, pure maple syrup, orange zest, Ceylon cinnamon, a little salt, and stir.<\/li>\n
Cover and place in the fridge for 15 minutes. Remove from fridge and stir again, incorporating the chia seeds that have sunk to the bottom and are clumped together. Place back in the fridge and chill for 8 hours, or overnight, until the pudding is thick. Stir in fresh lemon juice before serving.<\/li>\n
Portion into jars or bowls and top with orange slices or segments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Chia pudding on its own is fairly plain, but that’s what makes it fun! You can add sunflower seed butter as a topping, a layer, or stirred into the pudding. Or add coconut, jams and spreads, raw cacao powder, or other fresh fruits (berries, bananas, apples, pears, peaches…whatever’s in season).<\/p>\n
Chef Mary’s Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n
If you’re having trouble getting your chia pudding to set, check that your chia seeds aren’t old. Also make sure to give your chia pudding a good stir 15 minutes after you initially mix it together. This breaks up any clumps of seeds and ensures the pudding will set.<\/p>\n
Chia won’t gel if a liquid is too acidic. For this reason, we let the chia gel before adding a little fresh lemon juice.<\/p>\n
We think the texture of chia is fun! However, we have a friend that does not. She wanted to get the health benefits without the tiny pearls, so she blended chia pudding in a high speed blender. She loves it. We have to say, we have never tried this.<\/p>\n
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