Summer is in full swing, and we may be biased, but in our opinion, nothing can beat the heat of summer better than a Persian style chia seed drink with saffron.
If you have ever been to Iran during the summer, you might have seen this refreshing drink sold by street vendors, served to passersby on religious holidays, or enjoyed during a gathering at a friend or family’s home.
Benefits of Chia Seeds and Saffron:
Aside from the refreshing feeling of a cold drink, this unique recipe comes packed with plenty of benefits from the saffron, rosewater, and chia seeds (or basil seeds). The combination of saffron and rosewater provide powerful antioxidant and mood-boosting properties while helping to restore your body. Make sure to explore the Zarlux blog to learn more about the many wonderful properties of saffron and rosewater.
The other main feature of this drink is the seeds. Traditionally, basil seeds or tokhm-e-sharbati is used in various Iranian drink or dessert recipes. Herbalists also sometimes prescribe basil seeds as a remedy for coughs or digestive problems. Basil seeds are very similar to chia seeds in flavor and texture but slightly different in color and nutritional properties. If you’re able to get your hands on some basil seeds where you are, we recommend giving them a try. However, make sure to soak the seeds in water for some time before consuming it!
Alternatively, you can use chia seeds, which are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acid, protein, magnesium, and potassium, to name a few. Chia seeds are lighter in color and easier to incorporate into recipes by simply sprinkling them on the desired food. For this saffron drink recipe, we recommend soaking the seeds in water for at least 10 minutes before combining them with the other ingredients.
We hope you enjoy this recipe! Make sure to share the picture of your drink on Instagram or Facebook and tag Zarlux Saffron.
Recipe: Chia Seed Drink with Saffron and Rose Water
Serves: 4 Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons chia seeds or basil seeds
400 ml cold water
½ teaspoon ground Zarlux Negin saffron
4 tablespoons warm (not quite boiling) water
8 tablespoons rosewater
4 tablespoons sugar, honey, or sweetener of choice
800 ml cold water (or 4 glasses)
Instructions:
- Soak chia seeds/basil seeds in a clear bowl with 400 ml cold water, set aside, and allow the seeds to absorb the water for about 10 mins. If the seeds are dirty (there will be residue in the bottom of the bowl), you may drain the water and add new water, repeating this process until seeds are clean.
- Bloom the saffron; put ground saffron in a small bowl, and add 4 tablespoons of warm water (not boiling). Set saffron aside to steep for 10 minutes.
- Transfer the seeds to a large pitcher, add the rosewater, sugar (or other sweeteners), bloomed saffron, and 800 ml of cold water.
- Stir the mixture until the sweetener has dissolved. Add more sweetener to taste.