Chia seeds are a well-known and beloved superfood, especially among vegans. We love to use them in smoothies, puddings, or other dishes.
These tiny seeds have a special power – they create a gelatinous substance when soaked in liquid. I bet you have probably at least once wondered: why do chia seeds become gelatinous?
You have come to the right place to reveal this mystery if we can call it that. But first things first. We’ll start with some basics, for those that are not that familiar with chia seeds.
What are Chia Seeds?
Chia seeds are edible seeds that have excellent absorbing qualities. They can absorb liquid up to 27 times their weight and develop a mucous-like coating. This coating gives chia-based foods and drinks a unique gel-like texture.
Pretty awesome ability, right?
These small black seeds are enriched with nutrition. Chia seeds contain antioxidants, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. They have many health benefits like serving as a source of calcium for stronger bones, improving blood sugar levels, promoting heart health, serving as fiber for better digestion, and many more.
Now to answer the main question you came here for.
Why do Chia Seeds Become Gelatinous?
After adding liquid to chia seeds, you are going to notice an expansion within a minute. Chia seeds, when soaked in water, get gelatinous. The main reason behind this conversion is the high amount of mucilage present in chia seeds with remarkable absorbent qualities.
The absorbing quality of mucilage makes the chia seeds extremely gelatinous. It can absorb water nine to 27 times its weight.
Mystery revealed! Now you know why do chia seeds form a gel. Not that mysterious though. Just some plain and simple chemistry. But wait, there is more to learn about chia seeds. Stay with me.
Why do Chia Seeds Stick Together?
Chia seeds can absorb a lot of moisture. The absorbed moisture can make them stick together. If chia seeds stick together in a clump, you might have some disappointing results. The clumpy chia seeds don’t plump up and make a hard and wet mixture that can be difficult to eat.
Just make sure you mix them a bit when you soak them, and you should be fine.
How Do You Prevent Chia Seeds to Stick Together?
While you are cooking or making any other dish (usually desserts) with chia seeds, make sure you stir the mixture continuously. Stirring the mixture constantly will prevent the chia seeds to stick together.
Why Do You Soak Chia Seeds in Water?
Some people love to eat raw chia seeds, but it can be an unpleasant experience for others. How you want to eat chia seeds completely depends on your preference, but it is always recommended to soak chia seeds to enjoy their health benefits.
Although raw chia seeds are full of energy and nutrients, they can be extremely dry, and they can stick to your teeth. You should soak your chia seeds before eating to activate the mucilage. Soaking boosts up the nutritional and physical qualities of the seeds that are beneficial for health.
Chia seeds are super absorbent and when soaked they are packed with a lot of water. Eating soaked chia seeds also helps to keep your body hydrated and you will feel full for a longer time.
How to Soak Chia Seeds?
For best results, chia seeds should be soaked overnight in water. The more time you soak them, the more water they absorb. So, how long does it take for chia seeds to become gelatinous?
One of the easiest and quickest ways to make your chia water is to soak 1/4 cup of chia seeds in 4 cups of water for 20 to 30 minutes.
You can also dd anything to your chia water to make it flavorful and tasty. Some of the best chia water combinations are with chopped fruits, lemon juice, and orange.
If you plan to use them in a smoothie, I suggest you soak them in water before adding them to your smoothie.
What is the Ratio For Soaking Chia Seeds?
The best ratio of water for soaking chia seeds is 6:1 but it all depends on personal preference. You can add more or less water or any liquid as per your taste.
The ratio of water to chia seeds depends on how you are going to eat it and what food combination you are going to choose.
Like already mentioned, it is always recommended to start soaking with a ratio of 6:1, it would make 1/3 cup of seeds to be added to 2 cups of water. If you want a thin gel, you can soak chia seeds in water with a ratio of 9:1.
Thinner chia drink absorbs more water and is easy to go down. It helps your body to stay hydrated for a longer time than taking thick or dry chia seeds.
Why Do You Have to Soak Chia Seeds Before Eating?
As mentioned above, you can eat dry chia seeds, but it might not be as beneficial as soaked chia seeds. Moreover, dry chia seeds can be extremely dry to eat.
The following are some of the reasons why you should soak chia seeds before eating:
Soaking Chia Seeds Removes its Negative Properties
If you soak chia seeds in any liquid, the soaking boosts up the qualities of this seed while removing all the negative impacts it might have on your body.
Mucilage has nutrients stored in it and when it is combined with water these nutrients including protein, fats, lipids, and carbohydrates are rearranged. Your body can easily work on these absorbed nutrients.
Eating dry chia seeds creates nutritional deficiencies and disturbs your digestive system. These problems can be eliminated by soaking chia seeds before eating them.
Eating Soaked Chia Seeds Helps Clean Your Body
As mentioned earlier, chia seeds can absorb nine to 27 times the water than their weight. Soaked chia seeds serve as soluble fiber and provide digestive and cardiovascular health benefits.
The sticky coating around chia seeds removes heavy metal from your body and cleanses your digestive system. Thus, soaked chia seeds act as an excellent gut cleanser.
Soaking Chia Seeds Creates ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors are used by pharmaceuticals to treat patients who have high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems, but the over usage of ACE inhibitors can be damaging to health. It is best to use natural ACE inhibitors for treating these health issues.
Soaked chia seeds are an excellent source of natural ACE inhibitors. Soaking chia seeds in water with optimum ratio helps the enzyme with ACE inhibitors to work properly in your body.
Why Are My Chia Seeds Not Gelling?
If your chia seeds are not turning into gel-like structures, it can be because of various reasons. But before going to find the reasons there is something you need to know.
The first thing to remember while you are trying to gel your chia is to have patience. Gelling the chia seeds can be a time-consuming task. Chia seeds can take up to 20 minutes or more to absorb the liquid completely. So, you must be patient.
Other reason for not gelling chia seeds is not adding enough liquid. If your chia seeds are not fully submerged in the water, they will not have a gel-like consistency. Therefore, it is important to have enough liquid in the bowl to fully absorb the seeds.
The last reason for your chia seeds not gelling properly is that they might be aged and thus cannot absorb liquid.
Does the Quality of Chia Seeds Matter?
The quality of seeds also matters to get the best results. If they are aged, some of them might not absorb the liquid and can remain un-gelled. Therefore, always check the expiration date of the chia seeds before soaking them.
It is advised to store your seeds in a cool and dry place to preserve their quality.
How Long Can the Soaked Chia Seeds Last?
How long can soak chia seeds last, depends on two factors: the substance with which you mix it and the way of its storage.
Mixing With Water
If you mixed chia seeds with water and kept it in an air-tight container, then they can last for a week in your fridge.
The use of an airtight container or a jar is important for the storage of your soaked seed. It helps to keep your mixture uncontaminated with other food items in the fridge and keep it moisturized for a longer time.
Mixing With Milk
If you mix the chia seeds with milk, they can last for up to 4 days in the fridge. Don’t forget to keep it in an air-tight container to avoid contact with other foods.
We made a delicious vegan chocolate chia pudding with plant-based milk which you should definitely try.
Mixing Milk and Fruits
If you want to add fruits, nuts, or other toppings along with the milk, then the days might further reduce as in this case the milk gets spoiled even sooner than usual.
Storing in the Fridge
Whether you soaked your chia seeds with water or milk, you can enjoy them for a few days if you store them in the fridge after the very first soaking. Storing in a cool place locks moisture in seeds so you will feel more hydrated while drinking.
Conclusion
I believe we have covered all there is to know about soaking chia seeds and their gelatinous properties.
Chia seeds are one of the best naturally occurring foods and are often considered to be superfood. They are packed with essential nutrients including fats, protein, and carbohydrates. Their antioxidant properties have many health benefits as well.
Chia seeds have basically no side effects so you can eat them on daily basis without any worry. Just make sure to soak them and not consume them dry.
Soaking chia seeds is a must, not just for proper digestion but because soaking unlocks many of chia seeds’ health benefits.
