Name: Chia Lime Agua Fresca
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon chia seeds (about 15g); 4 cups cold water; 1 tablespoon agave syrup (or maple syrup); 1 lime (juiced, plus more for garnish)

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Chia Lime Agua Fresca also known as Agua de Limón con Chia is a light lemonade or limeade with chia seeds added. It's refreshing and provides extra protein and fiber for sustained energy.

Have you tried chia water?

Here in Mexico it's called Agua de limón con chia. It's like a light lemonade or limeade with chia seeds added. The chia seeds thicken up so it's almost like a bubble tea.

This agua fresca recipe is really common in Mexico — I don't think I've been to a restaurant here that doesn't serve it in some form or another!

It's also known as Iskiate which is a drink the indigenous people of northern Mexico, known as Tarahumara, drink before long distance running. They are famous for their runners who are said to be able to run hundreds of miles after drinking this due to the sustained energy they get from the chia seeds. Pretty amazing!

Adding chia seeds to water is not only great for a boost of energy but also for additional fiber and protein. Plus it provides a great source of Omega-3s through it's ALA content.

What is an Agua Fresca?

Aguas Frescas are refreshing drinks made from fruits blended with a sweetener and water. They are typically non-alcoholic.

For the sweetener I prefer maple or agave syrup but traditionally recipes use refined table sugar. Whatever your preferred sweetener is should work! In this recipe it helps to balance the bitterness of the limes.

What ingredients are needed

It's actually very simple with only 4 ingredients needed:

chia seeds
limes
agave syrup
cold water

That's it! Aguas frescas are usually very simple and can be made in a matter of minutes!

How to make

Traditionally the chia seeds are soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before adding to the drink but I mixed mine in directly and just waited 30 minutes to consume.

In a large glass or pitcher, add all ingredients and stir to combine. Adjust the amount of lime or sweetness to your taste preference as needed. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

An alternative method that brings out a stronger, pronounced lime flavor is to blend the limes with the water. Cut the ends cut off the limes first, then blend with water and agave. Then strain it and add the chia seeds. According to the Mexican Food Journal, this method is common in the central part of the state of Chiapas.

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