Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

FLAX SEED, BROWN

Description:
The seeds of the Flax plant have been a source of food and medicine since ancient times.   Used as provisions in Asia and Europe since at least 6000 BCE, the plant’s brown seeds were commonly used to prepare balms and healing remedies for people.  Today they are valued for their health benefits as well, treating a range of ailments from heart disease to lupus.  There are two types of Flax Seed plants that have emerged through selective breeding; long stemmed types of Flax Seed plants grown for their fibers and short-stemmed types of Flax Seed plants grown for their seeds.  The seeds from the Flax plant are flat and oval.  They are pointed at one end and are light to dark russet brown.  A yellow or gold variety is also grown but in much smaller quantities.  With a slightly nutty flavor, Flax Seed are more than one third oil and are rich in essential fatty acids, fiber, and Omega-3 fatty acids.  Flax Seed can be ground into a meal for baking muffins and breads.  Recent scientific reports point out that flaxseed can have a positive influence on everything from cholesterol levels to constipation to cancer and heart disease when eaten as a nutritious part of your diet. 

Suggested Use:
Sprinkle over cereal, stir-fry and hot grain dishes. Sprout Flax Seeds and add them to salads or sandwiches. Use Flax Seed whole or ground for flour in breads or mix in with oatmeal or yogurt. Simply add some Flax Seed meal to your favorite recipes and try the delicious results.  Flax can also be used whole or lightly crushed in hot dishes and cereal.  One tablespoon of ground Flax Seed and three tablespoons of water may serve as a replacement for one egg in baking by binding the other ingredients together.