flax seed // seeds

🌱🤔 Did you know that flax seed can be stored in the fridge or freezer to extend its shelf life? Flaxseed is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can be used in both a sweet and savory variety of plant-based dishes, from smoothies and baked goods to cereals and salads. It also makes a great egg replacement for plant-based baking. And what else can these seeds offer?

💪 Flaxseeds are very high in fiber, provide good amounts of protein, and are known for being an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. 1-2 tablespoons of them a day is considered a healthy amount. It is a good idea to soak flaxseeds before consuming them as it helps improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

👩‍🍳 Adding a few servings of seeds to your meals not only provides a wide range of health benefits but also adds flavors and textures. Milled or ground flaxseed is the same thing as flax meal. Brown or golden flaxseed has little difference nutritionally, so the choice is up to you. 

👵🤎 Grandma Sita’s tips:
*Proper storage in airtight containers, away from heat and light, is essential to maintain its freshness and nutritional value to protect it from exposure to air, light, and moisture, which can cause it to go rancid and lose its nutritional value.
*You can make DIY flaxseed gel for a skin or hair mask. Nourishment, hydration, and moisturization, all are the flaxseed benefits. Mix flaxseed and water in a pot and bring to a boil, allow the mixture to boil only for a few minutes, then turn off the heat once it begins to froth the gel will thicken. After making your gel, simply freeze them while they’re still wet and reuse the seeds for other things or even more gel. 

📗 Long before flax seed was the superseded we know it as today, it was primarily used to create textiles. Flax is resilient and can grow in poor soil, using far less water in its consumption than cotton.

🌎 The flax seed we eat and make cloth from, Linum usitatissimum, is native to Europe and all areas around the Mediterranean Sea. Luckily, there are different types of healthy and nutritious edible seeds around the world for you to choose from locally.

♻️ Remember to always check the expiry date on the packages in your pantry before buying food, it could be a starting point to enhance your culinary creations. All of us can act at home to reduce our waste and every single one counts.