This limonada con chia (limeade with chia seeds) is refreshing, perfect, and one of Mexico’s most famous agua frescas. Limonada, as we say it in Spanish or limeade, is always excellent and delicious. This recipe has the extra benefits of chia seeds which are highly nutritious.
About Aguas Frescas
The typical Mexican Aguas Frescas are made with fruit or grain (rice and oats), natural water, and sugar. They are very common in Mexico; you can find them everywhere, from the streets to restaurants to all Mexican houses; everywhere.
The most common flavors are horchata, jamaica, and lemonade. They are all delicious and refreshing, but lemonade is one of everyone’s favorites.
What benefits does chia-have with lemon water?
Apart from being refreshing, sweet, and tart, this lemonade with chia also has nutritional benefits. Chia has fiber, omegas (an important source of omega-3 content, minerals, and protein that, together with the vitamin C from lemon, make this lemon water a much better option than soft drinks.
Ingredients for the chia limeade
- Limes. Look for ripe limes with tons of juice. I like to use a clamp-type citrus press (Mexican juicer (affiliate link)) because, in addition to extracting the juice from the limes, it pulls the oils from the peel, which are very flavorful. Please always use fresh lime juice, never storebought.
- Sugar. Use granulated sugar, the one you like best. I prefer brown sugar for Aguas Frescas.
- Chia. To make Agua Fresca, you should not use ground chia seeds; use the whole seed.
How to make lemon water with chia?
- In a medium pitcher with fresh, cold water, dissolve the sugar by stirring with a wooden spoon until dissolved.
- Squeeze the limes directly into the pitcher or in a separate bowl. If the limes you are using have seeds, remove or strain them before pouring the lime juice into the pitcher.
- Mix, taste, and adjust if necessary.
- Add one or two tablespoons of black chia seeds, stir and serve with ice. Garnish with a thinly sliced lime wedge.
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💡Where do chia seeds come from? Chia seeds are the edible seeds of Salvia hispanica, a plant that gives flowers and is form the mint family. This plant is native form central and southern México. Chia seeds were served as a staple food for the Aztec cultures, who widely cultivated them in pre-Columbian times. Now you can buy them in any health food store or online retailers.
Tips and tricks
If you want, you can use this limeade to make ice popsicles. Pour the mixture into popsicle molds, freeze, and you’re done. It’s also perfect served with fresh mint leaves or cucumber slices.
Whisk the chia seeds into the agua fresca and make sure they do not clump. If they do clump, separate them by stirring with a spoon.
You can also use it as a base and serve it with lots of ice and a splash of vodka or tequila.
If you are in a hurry, you could also blend the whole limes with sugar and water. Make sure to remove the pits and peel them with a sharp knife. Then strain with a fine mesh, add more water, and then the chia seeds.
Limonada con chia
Equipment
- 1 medium pitcher
- citrus juicer
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons chia
Instructions
- Dissolve the sugar in the water. Add lemon juice, mix. Test and adjust if necessary.
- Add the chia seeds, mix and serve.
Notes
- Chia seeds make lemon water a bit thick or gelatinous. It is normal.
- If you don’t have time to squeeze the lemons, you can blend everything, just remove the white part and the seeds very well. Blend and strain.
Nutrition
information
Nutritional information of this recipe is only an estimate, the accuracy for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
I have a Profesional Certification in vegan cooking; in the world of cooking based on vegetables, fruits, grains, legumes… in clean, organic and vegan food.
My cookbook is called Yo Cocino Latino..
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