Q&A About Cooking with Super Seeds: Chia, Quinoa, Flax, Hemp & Amaranth

I LOVED meeting librarians at the ALA meeting!

One of my favorite parts about writing Super Seeds has been getting out and talking to folks about how to increase the nutrition in their cooking by using these little powerhouses. Adding chia, quinoa, flax, hemp and amaranth to everyday favorites is such an easy way to get more protein, fiber, minerals, fatty acids and vitamins in your diet.

I have spoken about Super Seeds to lots of audiences from librarians at the American Library Association to neighbors at a neighborhood meeting to viewers on WGN TV. Tonight, I'm going out for an evening with the Frankfort Public Library.

Regardless of where I'm speaking, some questions come up again and again. If you haven't made it to one of my presentations, here are some frequently asked questions that are sure to arise!

1) Are chia seeds the same as those used in Chia Pets?
Yes they are! Not just decorative hair on your fun planter, chia is a wonder food that provides protein and fiber to your cooking. You can use it to create a quick raw pudding, to add creaminess to your smoothies, or to take the place of eggs in your baking. 

2) Do you get high from eating hemp seeds?
Nope. Although hemp is related to the cannabis plant, it doesn't contain THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana.

3) What is an easy way to start eating seeds?
Here are some easy ideas to get you started:

• Sprinkle some hemp seeds on your oatmeal.
• Blend some chia seeds or flax seed into your smoothie.
• Make your own hemp milk.
• Replace the rice in a favorite dish with quinoa or amaranth.

4) Why do you like these seeds so much?
That's the easiest one to answer. I love how you can incorporate these seeds into your cooking and easily improve the nutrition of all of your favorite dishes. Because these little whole food wonders are loaded with protein, fiber, fatty acids, vitamins and minerals, they bring a whole range of goodness to whatever you add them to.

5) Are all of these seeds gluten-free?
Chia, hemp, flax, amaranth and quinoa are all gluten-free and vegan. Because they are a good source of protein, fat and fiber, they can play an important role in special diets by adding nutrients that might otherwise come from foods that are off-limits. 

Do you have any questions about using super seeds? 

Happy Cooking!

Kim 

My new book,  Super Seeds, is available now! You can also find tasty recipes in Welcoming Kitchen: 200 Delicious Allergen & Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes.