Mamma Mia! Chia Frescas!

Aguas frescas are popular, refreshing fruit drinks found in Mexico. Some roadside vendors add chia seeds to their drinks for extra texture. When soaked, the seeds develop a soft outer coating, somewhat like tapioca. Chia seeds add more than just a textural dimension to fruit drinks; they also provide detoxifying fiber and the anti-inflammatory omega-3s. Their nutty flavor goes well with peach tea and strawberry lemonade. They’re also nice mixed into sweetened green tea.

SERVES 2

Ingredients
2 Tbs. white chia seeds
1/2 cup water
3 sliced strawberries
2 Tbs. lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 Tbs. agave nectar or honey (optional)
1 cup cold water
1 cup chilled peach tea
1/4 cup crushed ice

Procedure

1. Soak the chia seeds in the water for 1 hour.
2. To make the strawberry lemonade, combine the strawberries, lemon juice, and agave nectar or honey. Mash with a wooden spoon until the fruit is well crushed. Add the cold water and stir well.
3. Combine the peach tea and the strawberry lemonade in a pitcher. Add the chia seeds. Top with crushed ice.

FoodTrients
Anthocyanins
Catechins
Fiber
Omega-3s
Vitamin C