Hello I’m Anita, also known as The Healthy Asian.
What is a delightfully delicious fruit that makes a special appearance at barbecues?
It’s WATERMELON!
I was inspired to make this recipe because 6 years ago, my coworker told me she had a lot of watermelon at home and she didn’t know what to do with it. So at the top of my head, I listed a bunch of ingredients that sounded awesome together and told her to try it out. The next day she sees me she told me she tried the recipe and that it was so good!
So what is this deliciously refreshing drink? It’s watermelon chia fresca!
Image source: Cooking LSL
This drink is so refreshing, so delicious, super energizing and nutritious too! And it’s very easy to make!
All you need is 6 simple ingredients, mix them all together and there you go.
First thing you want to do is to soak the chia seeds in water. If you don’t do it, it’ll end up being a chia blob in your drink. Chia seeds are packed with powerful antioxidants, omega-3s, fibres, as well as protein, calcium, magnesium, iron and potassium. Chia seeds are great for digestive health, managing blood sugar levels, and also boosting metabolism.
Next is watermelon!
I know that some of you have seen us Asians picking our watermelons by slapping them. There’s actually a method to this madness. What you want to do is to slap it and feel a bit of a vibration. If it feels solid, the watermelon isn’t as juicy.
You want to cut the watermelon into cubes, put it in a blender and blend until it’s smooth. With the magic of this class, we have some watermelon juice!
Watermelon is high in water and fibre content and full of electrolytes. It’s also high in vitamins A, C, B-vitamins and minerals. It’s also high in phytonutrients such as lycopene and L-citrulline which helps lower inflammation, oxidative stress, and prevents cancer.
Need a snack before a workout? Have some watermelon!
Need a snack after a workout? Have some watermelon!
Need something to boost your libido? Have some watermelon!!!
It’s all due to L-citrulline which helps with vasodilation which helps boost performance and decreases recovery time.
Next thing we add is lime juice. Limes are high in vitamin C, antioxidants, and is a great immune booster. It also helps with the stimulation of secretion of digestive juices and peristalsis. It’s great for boosting metabolism and maintaining kidney health. The smell of limes is stimulating and refreshing. And it makes a great insect repellant. According to Ayurveda, lime is sour, bitter, and cooling, combined with the cooling constitution of watermelon, this is the perfect drink to cool you down on a hot day.
Now we add the chia seeds and stir it around and then add a pinch of Himalayan salt for some extra minerals.
For the final touch, a sprig of mint.
Mint is great for digestion (especially for bile secretion and flow), improves mental focus, great for memory , and helps reduce stress. It’s also great for combating cold and flu. It’s one of my favourite herbs. In fact, I’m drinking peppermint tea right now! I love using this essential oil in my baking and also for relieving my headaches. So how do you recognize a mint plant or members of the mint family? By the square shaped stem!
Stir everything around and voila! A nutrient dense, antioxidant-packed, refreshing and delicious drink for the summer!
🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉🍉
Watermelon Chia Fresca Recipe
Ingredients:
6 cups of watermelon
2 tbsp chia seeds + 6 tbsp water Juice of 1 lime
Pinch of Himalayan salt
Sprig of mint (optional)
Directions:
- In a small bowl, combine chia seeds and 6 tbsp water. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, until chia gel is formed.
- Cut the watermelon into cubes and put it into a blender.
- Blend the watermelon until smooth. Strain pulp (if necessary). Add lime juice.
- Add chia gel, pinch of salt, lime, and mix. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or overnight.
- Serve chilled with a sprig of mint.