These tiny little seeds are native to hot countries like those in the Mediterranean and India. Although they look incredibly boring these small seeds have the highest content of omega 3 for any plant in the world (so far anyways… they are always finding something new! Lol). If you don’t know, omega 3 is a fatty acid commonly found in the oils in many fish. Although the composition of omega 3 in fish is slightly different than that in flax seeds (because there is an extra boost from the algae that the fish eat which the flax seed plant obviously isn’t eating) this seed is the single biggest culinary support against a number of blood related problems!
Omega 3 is beneficial in so many areas of the body that its hard to start at any single point. It has the ability to ward against cancerous cells. It can thin blood to reduce clotting which would lead to cardiovascular problems as well as high blood pressure. It has also been found to bolster and maintain a healthy immune system…. LESS FLU!
From a culinary point of view Flax seeds aren’t actually that great haha….. They are physically non distinct and pretty flavourless (aside from a slightly nutty taste, but nothing strong enough to overpower even the mildest of flavours). Whilst this sounds terrible its actually a pretty good trait. The benefits of them not tasting of anything in particular means that they can pretty much be added to any meal or drink without affecting the flavour. You can use them to top cakes, mix them into curries, sprinkle them into sandwiches or even have them ground and dust them over smoothies!
My favourite use for them personally is using them to top off delicious muffins!
Honey, Walnut and Flaxseed muffins (12 approx):
Ingredients:
49.5g whole wheat flour
49.5g oat bran
40.5g oatmeal
30g chopped walnuts
1.5 Tsp baking powder
1/4 Tsp baking soda
1 Tbsp milled flax seeds
1 Tsp cinnamon
½ Tsp salt
30g caster sugar
1 egg lightly beaten
25g honey
1 Tsp vanilla essence
1/2 cup milk
2Tbsp oil
Method:
Combine the dry ingredients first, sieving the baking powder, baking soda, flour, salt and sugar into a large mixing bowl.
Then in a separate bowl beat together the egg, vanilla essence, honey, milk and oil.
Mix the wet into the dry slowly a small amount at a time and combine thoroughly.
After combining completely dispense evenly into 12 muffin tins.
Bake at 200 degrees (C) for 15-20 minutes.
When complete and baked all the way through, remove from oven and let cool.
Drizzly with honey and sprinkle with any remaining flax seeds or chopped walnuts.
Enjoy!
5 comments:
These sound yummy. Thanks for another addition to my list of "things I want to try"!
hehe no problem. The final super food is gonna be a toughie, i wanna make somethign really outrageous with it. Stay tuned!
I keep flaxseed in a container in the fridge. I use a mortar and pestel to ground it up because that is the only way that you get the nutritional benefits. I sprinkle in on pretty much everything. Love your blog! I will be back for sure.
I have never cooked with flax seed, but these look great, and a number of TWD members used them in this week's muffins.
Glad you like it.... what is TWD lol.... i am a novice!
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