Upping the Nutritional Value of My Food Storage With Chia Seed
UPDATE: I opened the first of my frozen seed this week. See how it turned out below!
I have another bulk buy purchase going right now, and I must confess I bought this batch of chia seed not knowing how to use it. I heard chia was good for you and I’m trying to up our food storage game. I bought 55 lbs of chia seed for .30 cents an ounce. That’s at least half the price in the store or online.
Since chia seeds store for up to 5 years, we need to eat 1 pound a month, or learn some chia seed storage methods to extend the time.
Chia seeds are said to have:
-2 times the protein of any other seed or grain
-5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones
-2 times the amount of potassium as bananas
-3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
-3 times more iron than spinach
Plus, abundant amounts of omega 3 and omega 6, which are essential fatty acids… Chia seeds are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fiber. Courtesy of rawreform.com
Like flax, chia is highly ‘hydrophilic’ – the seeds absorb water and create a mucilaginous gel. They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly – in under 10 minutes.
Nutritionists recommend that one tablespoon of chia is consumed each day. Be sure to drink plenty of water as chia is very high in fiber. We’ve been very “regular” since having our 1 tsp of chia a day!
Use these four chia seed storage methods as part of your plan to up the nutritional value of your food storage.
Chia Seed in the Pantry
Put some chia seed in the pantry to use every day. I don’t know about you, but in my house when we are trying to incorporate a new food into our diet, we have to keep it front and center or we will forget about using it. Store chia seeds in a glass or plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid. The antioxidants in the chia seeds allow them to be stored for months in a dark, cool place, like your cupboard.
I have a daily use –on the counter jar, and another in the pantry to rotate in next. I think I have about 5 pounds in my pantry right now.
Keep ground chia seeds (chia flour) in a glass or plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid. The flour may be stored in a cool, dry place such as a pantry, or in the refrigerator. Chia flour, like chia seeds, may be stored for months without going rancid.
We’ve been adding a teaspoon of dry seeds in our water bottle before heading out the door and I’m doing my best to drink it with my water all day. I do this several times a day to get in my one tablespoon per day goal. It is very filling and I find it refreshing, especially if I make some ahead and take it cold out of the fridge.
Chia Seed in the Refrigerator
In addition to chia seed and chia flour, you can make chia gel by adding 2 tablespoons of chia seed to 8 ounces of water. Add the seeds to the water or you will get a gel clump in the bottom of your glass. Stir, let it sit for 15 minutes, then stir again and refrigerate it in a glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The gel will last about two weeks under refrigeration.
Extended Chia Seed Storage (1-5 years)
The next thing I did was put approximately 35 pounds of seed in plastic gallon zip bags. I removed as much air as I could from each bag and then I placed them into a 5 gal bucket. Chia seed will last up to 5 years, if it is stored in a cool, dry place. This is my “use next” batch, so after I have used up the 5 pounds in the pantry, I can remove a 1 gallon bag, rotate it into my daily pantry, and re-seal the bucket.
I did not add any oxygen absorbers to the bucket (like I would if I was putting up food for long term) because I expect to use this within the 5 year time frame. I can always add some or go to 1 gallon buckets with oxygen absorbers if I find that we aren’t using it like I thought we would. I did put a dusting of food grade diatomaceous earth on the top to kill any bugs that may have been in there.
Long Term Chia Storage (5-10 years)
The final 15 pounds of seed went into the freezer and will be used last. I decided to use my FoodSaver and remove the air from each package. I couldn’t find any information online about how to freeze chia seed – only that it was possible – and that it would double the shelf storage live up to 10 years.
I’ve used my best judgment and looked at the way other grains and seeds are frozen. Colorado State University Extension recommends the following:
Conditions essential to good seed storage are just the opposite of those required for good germination. Good germination occurs when water and oxygen are present at a favorable temperature. Good seed storage results when seeds are kept dry (below 8 percent moisture) and the temperature is kept low (below 40 degrees).
I removed the air because I did not want ice crystals to form inside the package. Once I bring it out to thaw I want intact seeds, not a bag of chia gel! I tried my theory by defrosting a 1 lb package and it worked perfectly. The seeds did not turn into chia gel after the thaw.
UPDATE: January 2015. This past fall we moved 2300 miles from Oregon to Texas and I brought my frozen chia seed with me. I’m happy to report that it did not thaw during the drive and freezing it was a HUGH success.
This week I opened the first of the 15 pounds I have in the freezer and placed it into a big bowl. I did that because I was afraid that there would be condensation in the bag as it was adjusting to room temperature. I just wanted to be sure that the chia seed doesn’t gel before I’m ready!
There have been no problems with the seed at all . It thawed with no visible change in the seed- and we are still using it daily.
Here’s a Chia Fresca recipe to enjoy!
What is your favorite way to use chia seed? Do you have a different way to store it? Share your ideas below.
Isn’t this odd. The UPS man just left a 1 lb jar of chia seeds on my porch. I’m old and forgetful and I have forgotten why I ordered it. Please keep us all informed as to what you do, and the results. Will it make you jump faster and run higher? I need it to help my memory.
Also, if we like these seeds, where did you get a 50 lb bag?
I just bought a two pound bag of organic chia seeds for $7.39 which works out to 23 cents an ounce. This may be a better option than buying 50 pounds of chia seeds.
I can purchase bulk at .23/oz at Sprouts
WHERE did you buy it please? Thanks!
How long chia seed last.. how long we can keep in the pantry.?i bought chia seed 2 yrs before 2017 can I use that now, best use March 2019 March
I love these! Apparently, the Mayan Indians used these;especially on long treks. High protein and fiber(fills you up). I find that they also stabilize blood sugar. I use them on cereal, salads, sandwiches, soup, yogurt, anything! If I am in a hurry I just add them to my water bottle. Only thing I would suggest is, take a flosser with you! It may take a couple of refills of water in the bottle to get all of them out. No problem- increases you fluid intake. Glad to hear about ways to store for long term.
I would love to get Chia in bulk quantities. I started my diabetic husband on it and it helps so many ways.
I have read that the full nutritional value of flax seeds can only be absorbed if they are lightly ground – not whole when passing through the stomach/intestines. Do you think this is true with Chia seeds, also? Has anyone else heard/read that? Thanks!
Hi Amy, I’ve heard that chia does not need to be ground to get the greatest nutritional value. Even raw seeds are extremely good for you. There is some discussion online that soaking them for up to 12 hours might add some nutritional value too.
I use the gelled chia in my smoothies to make for easy blending. I only use ground flax seeds, because of the ease in blending in smoothies. We purifiy our spinach and make ice cubes to make it easier to use greens. Does anyone know what other powders can be added to the greens when freezing to cut down on the smoothie process. We use spinach, celery, fruit. hemp powder, greens powders, etc.
We add chia to our smoothies, granola (after it is cooked so chia remains raw) and granola bars. Thanks for the additional information about these wonderful seeds!
Hi there! Great post :). I’ve been eating Chia seeds for over a year now, love them! But, PLEASE share with us where you bought a 55 lb bag of them!! Please!
Hi Renee – I got my chia from a bulk buying group that I belong to. I’m not the one that arranged the order – I just got to benefit from the results of someone else’s hard work! I will find out more about where she found it and let everyone know.
I found an incredible buy at Winco grocery store for $3 something. Not sure how widespread the chain is but if you have one….. in the bulk dept. I believe if you buy a sack you get another discount which I intend to do.
Thanks for the tip!
I just bought a 2 lb jar for $10. at Walmart. I believe this works out to about the same price as the bulk purchase. Also, not the problem of storage. I use it every day, cereal, salads and just chewing, gives a satisfying “pop” as you crunch.
Nice catch Diana!
Hi Di. I wouldn’t suggest eating the seeds dry as they can stick in your throat easily because they are so absorbent. It’s not so bad if you wash them down with plenty of liquid. I read about an unfortunate chap who had to go to hospital after chia seeds swelled & got stuck in his throat.
I recently bought 2 lbs bag organic chia seeds for less than $8 from Costco. Naturally, I bought a few bags.
Curious…in a one sentence paragraph you said 1 tablespoon a day and 1 tsp a day at the same time.
Nutritionists recommend that one tablespoon of chia is consumed each day. Be sure to drink plenty of water as chia is very high in fiber. We’ve been very “regular” since having our 1 tsp of chia a day!
What is the recommended daily consumption? 1 tablespoon or 1 teaspoon?
Thanks for catching that Cindy! It is recommended to have 1 tablespoon of chia seeds per day.
I have a question i have a glass jar of chia seed in the refrigerator and they are overdue 10/30/14 can i still put that chia seed on my drinks or food.
Hi Mary, If they are still in dry seed form they will last at least 5 years and you should use them. If you previously added water and they are in gel form, I’d say it’s best to put them in the compost, 6 Months is too long even for the fridge.
I use chia seeds and for a regular I spent $18.00! I would like to know if anyone can find it cheaper for me 😀
I use the seeds w/o blending them because unlike flax seed they will digest whole. I use them in my yogurt, cereal, sandwiches. I like the texture and I don’t get much taste from them.
That’s the million dollar question, Connie! I got mine for such a good price I’m completely spoiled and I know I won’t be able to get that kind of price again. We eat ours much the same way you do, blending it in yogurt and using it in drinks. We have probably 2 months supply left and then (boohoo!) I’m back to buying it again.
I know this a little late, but I buy my chia seeds from the organic/health food section of Albertson’s for $1.99 per lb. Not bad!
SEE SPECIAL NOTE ( * )……… I use them to thicken soy chocolate milk, then put in the frig to use with plain greek yogurt with a tsp cocoa all mixed together with 2 drops stevie liquid then fill an ice cream cone with the mixture. I am diabetic so get my protein from greek yogurt and soy milk ( *NOTE: Any one who’s had cancer should NOT have soy ), and cabs from ice cream cone and some from the chocolate soy milk. 1/3cup soy chocolate milk ,1TBSP chia seeds , frig for 12 hours then mixed with 1/2cup greekplain yogurt 1tsp. Cocoa , 2drops stevie ( my sweetener of choice ) .
Do you know how long the chia seeds will last once taken out of the freezer? Do they need to be used right away or can they be used over a period of a few months?
They will last at least 6 months, Candice. Just make sure that you do not introduce any moisture to them when they are defrosting. I always put mine on a large tray until they are completely thawed.
You can soak chia seeds overnight in coconut water to make a gel that gives you a real energy boost. Great for runners, gym bunnies etc and much healthier than all those chemical & sugar filled energy/power drinks.
Let’s all help each other to find the CHEAPEST place to buy Chia Seeds online! It’s not doing anyone any good to state you got a great deal yet not state where you got it from. And many of us live in rural places where our only option is the big box store where prices aren’t that great for Chia, or online which is a maze to find good prices. So PLEASE everyone, list how much you paid for ounce of Chia Seeds and the NAME or URL of where you bought them. Too many of us are overpaying for this cheap to produce product so let’s help each other find the best deals through this wonderful website. Thanks!
I found worms in my jar of chia seeds. How can this happen? I’m so disgusted by this I don’t no if I can buy chia seeds ever again.
Chia pudding is the best! Add chia seeds to coconut milk and a dash of maple syrup or coconut sugar. Stir well and again in 15 min. Leave it overnight in the fridge and top with berries or fruit of your choice. 🙂 This could be made just as easily with powdered coconut or regular milk and freeze-dried fruit.