Make up a batch of lime chia Frescas to enjoy throughout the week. Combining coconut water, whole limes, chia seeds, and maple syrup, this is one super refreshing and hydrating drink. Staying regular has never tasted so good. Helps to get the body and brain going first thing in the morning and works great as a tasty drink to sip throughout the day.
Lime Chia Fresca
Is there anything more refreshing than a nice cold lime-infused coconut water?
I think not.
I have been slurping these lime chia fresca's down like they are going out of fashion, and I bet they are going to become a favorite for you too.
They are so refreshing and so zippy, they really put a spring into your step and conjure up some summer vibes no matter the weather.
Why Chia Fresca?
I am not a medical doctor, dietician or nutritionist so I am not going to be listing any health benefits or telling you that chia Fresca is a great way to lose weight, get a flat belly or develop wings and fly to the moon...which I have no doubt you have seen all over Pinterest.
What I can tell you is that chia fresca:
- Is a super hydrating drink.
- Is linked to giving you lots of energy without keeping you awake as sugar or caffeine would. Therefore making it a great little natural energy drink.
- Thanks to the soluble fiber content in the chia seeds and its water-absorbent shell, chia seeds are quite filling and can help keep you satisfied for longer, all while keeping you hydrated.
- It looks super pretty with all the little floaty bits.
- It is easy to throw together to sip throughout the day. Therefore naturally increasing your water consumption, which we can all use some help with.
- It is full of anti-inflammatory powers due to the lime.
- Makes a fun alternative to a cocktail...or a fun base for some tequila....just sayin'.
What Ingredients Are Needed?
I wanted this to be a little different from my lemon-infused chia water, so instead of simply juicing a lime, we are actually going to blend a whole lime with some coconut water before adding the chia seeds.
With that in mind, you are going to need:
- Coconut water
- Chia seeds
- 2 limes
- Maple syrup or honey for sweetening
A word to the wise: you can throw in the whole lime, skin and all, but if you are sensitive to bitter flavors then the pith will probably result in a drink that is too bitter for you to really enjoy.
You do you. If you are a super-bitter-taster (it's a real thing!) then just go with the flesh or juice.
Alternatives To Using A Whole Lime
If you are a super-bitter-taster then feel free to go ahead and change things up. You can:
- zest the lime and just use the lime zest and flesh, throw away the white pith (this is the part that causes bitterness),
- peel the lime and just use the flesh,
- if you prefer a less limey drink then just use the juice, but I highly encourage the use of the flesh as it is jam-packed full of nutrients and gives such a great intense lime flavour.
What Is The Texture Of Chia Fresca Like?
Not quite like a smoothie and not quite like a glass of water.
When the chia seeds combine with the water and are allowed to rest for a while they absorb up to 10x their body weight in water and become gel-like. Think like a tomato seed when you remove it from a tomato.
On that note, if you are weird about textures then this isn’t for you. If you don’t like chia puddings or anything with a gel-like consistency then just back away now.
TIP: This does not work well with carbonated water or juice. The chia seeds float to the top and make a thick gel-like layer on the top of the drink which is kind of icky.
TIP 2: No you do not need to grind the chia seeds first.
How To Make Chia Fresca
This takes a little more effort than chia water, simply because we are going to add the extra step of blending the fruit and coconut water. But rest assured, it is still very easy.
To make chia fresca simply:
- Add the cold coconut water, 2 limes (with or without the skin depending on your preference), and maple syrup to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth
- Add the chia seeds to the lime-water mixture and allow them to soak in the fridge for 10-20 minutes. The longer you leave it, the more water the chia seeds will absorb and the more gel-like they will become.
- Add a couple of slices of lime, give it all a good stir or a shake and serve nice and cold
Chia fresca can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for the week. The seeds will clump so just give it a really good shake before drinking.
That's it.
Where Can I Get Chia Seeds?
As chia seeds have become more popular they have become really easy to find.
The health food aisle in most supermarkets usually tends to stock chia seeds these days. Otherwise, you can grab some online here.
Need More Chia Seed Recipes?
You bought that little bag and now you need something to do with all those little seeds. Don't worry, I use chia seeds in everything, so I have a fair few recipes for you:
- Bursting With Nuts Grain-Free Sugar-Free Granola
- Zesty Lemon and Vanilla Chia Pudding
- Maple Spiced Chia Overnight Oats
- Banana and Peach Butter Bread with A Chia Crunch
- Chia Oat Breakfast Squares
- Baked Chia Pumpkin Pie Donuts
- Whole Orange Chia Marmalade
Happy Drinking
xx
Recipe
Hydrating Lime Chia Fresca
Equipment
- Glass jar with lid
Ingredients
- 2 cups coconut water see notes
- 2 small limes zested, pith removed and flesh quartered (see notes)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine the coconut water, lime flesh and zest, and maple syrup in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Pop the lime-water mixture into a large glass jar with the lid. Add the chia seeds, stir, pop on the lid and cool in the fridge for 10-20 minutes.
- When you are ready, give the mixture a good shake again and drink immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
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