Apple Chia Pudding with Cinnamon and Cardamom

This fruity apple chia pudding with cinnamon and cardamom is not only exquisitely delicious, it is also quite healthy. It makes for a nice breakfast or dessert.

Number of servings: This dish generally serves 2–3 people.

Chia seeds: Chia seeds, originally from Mexico, stand out on account of their high levels of calcium, iron, soluble fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids. Our body can reap the benefits of these substances best when the chia seeds are ground since the whole seeds primarily function as fiber. The iron content is about twice as high as in grains. In addition, our bodies can use the amino acid tryptophan along with the enzymes tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) and aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC) to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is known to improve our mood by making us feel more happy and calm. About 95 % of the serotonin in our bodies is stored in the gastrointestinal tract.

Coconut blossom sugar: Coconut blossom sugar is a type of palm sugar. It is obtained by boiling, and dehydrating the sap of cut flower buds of the coconut palm. Coconut blossom sugar is basically sucrose as is common table sugar. However, its glycemic index (GI) is only about half as high as compared to conventional sugar, which makes it easier for people who are sensitive to sugar to tolerate. It has a slightly malty flavor, and the consistency is a bit like caramel.

Cardamom: Cardamom, which comes from India, is not only a very old spice, it is also one of the most expensive – after vanilla and saffron threads. This is a result of the unpredictable and labor-intensive harvest conditions. Cardamom seeds are often used in Asian and Arabic dishes and also have many medicinal uses. The substances contained in cardamom seeds stimulate the secretion of saliva, gastric juice, and bile. We distinguish between black cardamom (Amomum subulatum), which has an earthy fragrance and smoky flavor and is therefore used for more hearty and spicy foods and green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), which has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor and is often used in spice mixes and desserts.

Storing chia seeds: Chia seeds can be stored for up to five years and are as such much more suited for long-term storage than, for example, flax seeds. To obtain optimal storage conditions, make sure you have a good seal (e.g., screw-top jar) and that you store the chia seeds in a cool (but not moist), dark place.

Alternative sweeteners: In the original recipe, the author uses coconut blossom syrup (1½ to 2 tbsp). You can, however, just as well use agave syrup or honey instead. In this recipe, you can also leave out the sweetener entirely as the fruit itself gives this pudding a nice sweet flavor. We have included a sweetener in the list of ingredients because we know that children prefer sweeter foods.

Plant milk and a link to a recipe: In the original recipe, Dreena Burton uses unsweetened plant milk. We have listed almond milk because it is very easy to make yourself. Here is a link to our recipe: Raw Almond Milk. You can, of course, alternatively use cashew milk, soy milk, or another type of plant milk.