~ raw, vegan, gluten-free, nut-free ~
Aztecs, Mayans, and Incans used chia as a staple of their diet as an energy food. Chia seeds were known as the “Indian Running Food” because runners and warriors would use them for sustenance while running long distances or during battle.
So whether you are on the run as an endurance athlete, a parent battling your children to pick up their dirty socks, or just running from class to class, you will find that the amount of energy per square centimeter in this treat is far greater than any energy bar on the market.
Do you hit a slump during the middle of the afternoon? Do your eyes feel tired and cumbersome as you are listening to a lecture on ……..Chia Chews just might help you feel more energized throughout the day and to at least remember the key points to that …… lecture. hehe
They contain essential fatty acids alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, mucin, strontium, 30% protein, Vitamins A, B, E, and D, and minerals including calcium, phosphorus, (stops to take a breath) potassium, sulphur, iron, iodine, copper, zinc, sodium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, thiamine, silicon, and anti-oxidants.” (Source – Mountain Rose Herbs)
Deep down, we care about all of this… that’s why we are making our own healthy, raw foods… right? But during our busy, sometimes crazy, we don’t want to think about all of these things. Think of them as subliminal ingredients. They are working hard to “feed” your body what it needs.
Last year I made Blueberry Lavender Chia Chews and just fell in love with the chewy texture. I am not quite sure what to liken them to, but they are dense and chewy but not tough. And talk about a powerhouse of energy for the body. As you can see below, the ingredient list is short and the main body of this treat is chia seeds. All of those tiny seeds, packed into a 1″ square of energy, just bursting at the seams!
The number of peaches needed will all depend on the size of the fruit you buy. I used four large peaches. Always purchase extra. If you are not a fan of raw agave, I recommend using raw coconut nectar. Raw honey will remain too sticky in my opinion. Also, you can blend the chia seeds into a powder if you are opposed to the texture of the seeds.
yields roughly 24 chia chews
Hi Amie Sue,
funny to read your newest recepite. I´m from Hamburg/Germnay and at the moment (I guess until next summer 2014) it´s hard to find nice and ripeness peaches due to the season in my country. Even in Europe at all it´s not possible to get (I had already checked it out).
So, feel free and enjoy you chia chews with fresh peaches.
Nice regards sending from REGINA
Good morning Regina,
It always throw me for a loop when other parts of the world are in different seasons then here in the states. :) Hard for all us to stay on the same page, if you know what I mean. hehe Have a great day ! amie sue
These look delicious! I love things that really make me chew. I feel so much more satisfied after eating them, and I am looking forward to making these. Thank you for sharing your talents with us!
I know just what you mean Sarah… certain times call for certain textures. hehe I hope you enjoy them as much as I did. Keep me posted. Blessings, amie sue
I would love to make these, they look delicious! Unfortunately, in the Netherlands, fresh, ripe peaches are just as hard to get as in Germany. Do you think I could sub the peaches for another kind of fruit that is in season in Europe? Like pears or apples?
Hello Gail,
Sorry that I took a day to get back to you. You can certainly use other fruits my only word of caution is to watch the water level in different fruits. You might have to adjust the chia to make sure that all the liquid gets absorbed. Does that make sense? Also, adjust the sweetness to less or more, depending on the fruit of choice. :) Keep me posted how it goes Gail. Many blessings, amie sue
Yet another delectable delight I’m dying to try of yours!
Every Saturday we go out to visit and help my husband’s aunt & uncle on their place in the country. They have a couple of trees that I don’t know what they are technically – peach or apricot – looking too small for a peach, they are white fruit flesh, very nice taste, but they are small like an apricot, but do not taste like one.. soooo…. who knows… anyway, I saw that the trees have green ones on them meaning it won’t be too long before we can get some and will be able to make this recipe.
Is there something I can substitute for agave?
In the mean time, I might try these using papaya for these chews!
(I’m that newbie in Uruguay that can’t easily get everything needed)
Hi Laurie…. a Peacha-cot!!! Those are unique trees. hehe ;)
You can use just about any fruit for this recipe. Just keep an eye on those fruits that yield more watery liquid. You might have to add a bit more chia. Also, different fruits are different in sweet tasting levels, so adjust the sweetener accordingly.
In stead of honey, you can use raw coconut nectar, maple syrup, maybe honey but I often find that honey stays so sticky in some dehydrated recipes. Who knows, the fruit you use, if really ripe, might be sweet enough by itself. Taste test! That is the most important advice I can give when making my recipes. Blessing! amie sue
Love the idea of these and worthy of improvisation. Since i live in Hawaii where ‘real’ peaches do not grow, and mangos are not in season (a likely substitute re texture) i am going to try a papaya and lilikoi blend, but they will make it way more liquid. Keeping fingers crossed, i will let you know.
Thats great Nancy. If the mix is to watery, just add a bit more chia. I just made some with pears. Turned out great. Keep me posted and have a great weekend. amie sue
I think I shall try this with plums what do you think?
I think it ought to taste good if you can get your hands on some flavorful plums. :) Let me know Teresa! amie sue
I love the idea of this-simple quick and great to have around
this time of year I am going through my pantry taking inventory and using up things that need to be used up
I also go through my freezers about now till spring making sure that they are ready for the coming fruit crops which means using the odds and ends that are still in there from last season
this recipe is perfect for that-they are not work intensive and are so fast to assemble plus its a wonderful way to make sure you are incorperating chia into your daily diet-I love that
so far I have made persimmon-raspberry-and strawberry(adding a little lemon to the strawberry just to perk it up a bit,and a touch of cinnamon to the persimmon
they are great and a nice pack around
thanks again
constance m
Good afternoon Constance,
You sound like my twin, hehe. I am the exact same way. I pull all those odds and end out, place on the counter and let the creative mind free… so many recipes are created during those times. I love that you shared this with me… us. :) It will inspire others as well. I hope you are enjoying your weekend, many blessings my friend. amie sue
I’ve got these in the dehydrator right now! It’s wonderful how the chia just holds everything together. Thanks Ami-sue!
I know Christine… they are miraculous, little, binding machines! hehe Let me know how they turn out. Blessings, amie sue :)
Hi Amie-Sue,
I am so exited to have found this site. I have spent many hours writing down your free recipes and can’t wait to make them. Thank you so very much for all of the time and care you have taken!!!
GB
You are welcome. Happy to hear that you are enjoying the site! blessings, amie sue