Chia Seed for Backpacking
Chia Seeds. Yes, this is indeed what Chia Pets are made of. Not having grown up in America, I can’t verify this first-hand, but those are the rumours.
“…and its relevance to ultralight backpacking” I hear you ask? Patience grasshopper, we’ll get there…
First let me tell you the story of how I learned about Chia Seeds… In search of a better dried milk product for my breakfasts (with more fat content), I heard of a Nestle product called Nido that is common in Spain/Mexico. Unlike typical non-fat dried milk found in the likes of Whole Foods in the US, Nido is whole-milk. My search led me to a Latin Grocery shop in Pike Place Market.
Sadly they were out of stock of Nido, but while there I got chatting with the nice lady that owns the shop and quickly onto the topic of backpacking. Her eyes opened wide with excitement as I told her about traveling light weight. “Oh my”, she said “You have to try Chia Seeds. They are a miracle and are perfect for what you talk of.” … “Aztec warriors used to march for an entire day on just a handful of seeds.”. (Now probably wasn’t the time to mention that my recollection of Aztec history is that they died out due to hunger and Spaniards). She went on to tell me how long distance runners and STP cyclists come to her shop to buy these precious seeds.
I was admittedly quite intrigued. So what are the proclaimed benefits of Chia Seeds? According to thechiaseed.com:
1. Nutritious. Full of omega-3, antioxidants, calcium, protein, fiber, and many other vitamins & minerals.
2. Energizing. Gives an energy that lasts, providing stamina and endurance.
3. Reduce Cravings. Because Chia Seeds absorb so much water and have high soluble fiber levels, they help release natural, unrefined carbohydrate energy slowly into the bloodstream.
So how do I prepare them? At breakfast - I simply fill a 2-cup pot with water… add a Tbsp or so of dried coconut milk (for flavor and fat-boost) and then dump in about 1-2 Tbsp of seeds. Wait 5-10 minutes and drink. Waiting is important - over time the seeds absorb the water and puff up into small balls almost like mini tapioca balls in Bubble Tea.
I’ve used them with much success on the West Coast Trail and also in our recent Pasayten hike. Both Nigel and I used them two out of three mornings on the Pasayten trip. We both experienced feeling a lot more hydrated in the mornings and also in need of less mid-morning food. Our breakfast sustained up well beyond lunch time with strenuous hiking.
7 Responses to “Chia Seed for Backpacking”
August 2nd, 2008 at 7:24 am
Brett,
I am going to have to try that!
August 4th, 2008 at 8:49 am
That’s crazy, I had no idea you could eat these things. What do they taste like?
August 4th, 2008 at 11:22 am
they don’t have much taste at all. they have a weird texture when water-logged. maybe like drinking frog-spawn
i’ve tried then sprinkled on my cereal (cereal goes a bit soggy waiting for them to expand), with nuun-tablets and with coconut milk power to distract from texture with a little more flavour. but really - they aren’t that bad
August 4th, 2008 at 11:45 am
[...] critter yourself for a filling and nutritious trail breakfast. Don’t look at me that way, Brett over at his blog is the one who said it. Chia [...]
August 5th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
hey brett, i get my chia seeds from http://www.thechiaseed.com too! they are great and i eat the chia seeds on cold cereal, oatmeal, on salad, on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and pretty much anything else i can think of!
September 12th, 2008 at 7:20 pm
why not put them into the bowl + liquid first … Then put the cereal in?:)
September 12th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
FriendlyFoe - hhmm… because sometimes I can’t see the forest for all of the trees. Good point!