Background Color
Add to favorites
Sacha inchi seeds look like nuts, but they are actually a seed. They are one of the richest plant-based sources of Omega-3. Ounce for ounce, these amazing superfood seeds boast 17 times more Omega-3 than wild Sockeye salmon. (photo below) shows how the sacha inchi seeds for start out when growing.
The seeds are not considered a raw food because they are unpalatable and inedible in their raw state, containing a substance which gives them a bitter taste if not heat treated.
It is best to buy seeds and powders that are created from low-temperature dried seeds or flash pasteurized varieties to avoid excessive nutritional degradation. Matt Monarch said about the raw taste: “Your mouth explodes with a puckering, cleaving unbearable taste, which permeates your tongue and all throughout your mouth!” Sacha inchi seeds must be roasted in order to be digested and assimilated by your body.
(photo below) shows the inchi seed pods
Sacha Inchi seeds are a great source of tryptophan which is a protein that helps the brain to produce more serotonin. Serotonin is key to mood regulation; pain perception; gastrointestinal function, including the perception of hunger and satiety; and other physical functions. (1). They are also anti-inflammatory which helps to lower inflammation of the brain which can cause fatigue, depression, and memory problems.
What do they look like?Though I have never seen these seeds in their natural plant state, I have read that they have heart-shaped leaves about 4.0 – 4.7 inches long. It is recognized by its star-shaped fruits, which have anywhere from four to seven points. Its seeds, which contain the bulk of the plant’s nutritional value, are brown and oval, measuring 0.6 – 0.8 inches in diameter. (1)
They have a texture that is crunchy, reminiscent of peeled and dehydrated almonds. The seeds, known as Inca nuts or mountain peanuts, have a very similar peanut-like taste, but a bit dryer on the back of the tongue. If you have peanut allergies, you can use them as a peanut replacement in recipes. They add a great crunch to salads or a perfect for a swap from traditional nuts.
Due to their high level of fats, it is best to store the seeds in the fridge or freezer.
I have yet to find them at my local grocery or health food stores. So far, I have been ordering them online through my Amazon store. (Here) is a link for the ones that I have tried and enjoy. I like the salted ones for snacking and the unsalted for granola recipes, making milk with them, and other recipes that may already contain salt.
Hi there,
Just wanted to share that I have purchased Sacha Inchi Seeds from Sprouts (a chain healthy food/grocery store) and also at Natural Vitamin Cottage – they’re not cheap ($12.99 for an 8oz bag !!) but I really did enjoy the use of them – I made a homemade grain-free granola and also added them to a raw pie crust I created for future use. Vega is the brand I found and the options were Original or Chocolate Dipped, I chose the former. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge, it’s beyond priceless to me.
Sincerely,
Shelly Matlock
Thank you, Shelly for sharing this with us. I use to shop at a Sprouts in Tucson, AZ. and really enjoyed it. Inchi seeds are not cheap anywhere. hehe We were just snacking on some yesterday. We had a house guest with us for a few days and he loves to try new foods. Most people have never heard of Inchi seeds and most people who I share them with, love them. :)
So happy that you are enjoying the site. Keep in touch and have a blessed evening, amie sue