This apple ginger chia fresca is a lovely light drink for summer, using only a few pantry staples. It takes just fifteen minutes to prepare and is a vegan, gluten-free and low histamine drink.
For another fun drink, my blueberry agua fresca is so refreshing!
If you love light and fresh juices for summer, then you may also like to see my green juice which is packed with lots of healthy fruit and veg! And for more of the apple ginger flavours, my apple ginger juice and carrot apple turmeric juice are perfect with breakfast or as a mid-afternoon sweet treat.
Smoothies are also a flavourful way to enjoy fruit, and ones such as my apple and pear smoothie and my mango pear smoothie are perfect for breakfast.
This chia fresca is fun and fruity, and a little different to regular juices. I made this for my mum and she looked highly suspicious at first, but then loved it! Don't be put off by the floating chia seeds, they are so good (and healthy too!).
Love chia recipes? Check out my hot chia pudding for a breakfast recipe!
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💭 What is a chia fresca?
Chia fresca is a really simple drink combining water, chia seeds and citrus juice, sometimes with a sweetener. I'll be honest and say that I thought it was a bit of an LA craze, but actually research led me to learn that it's a traditional and popular drink in Mexico and Central America.
Personally I prefer to use fruit juice to add more flavour, so this apple ginger chia fresca uses apple juice and fresh ginger, and leaves out the citrus (making it low histamine friendly). You can add some maple syrup if you wish, but I find it sweet enough without.
🍎 Ingredients
This chia fresca recipe has only a few ingredients. You will need:
- Chia seeds: the main ingredient, they swell up when they absorb the liquids. You need the regular chia seeds, not milled chia.
- Apple juice: use either freshly squeezed or from a carton.
- Ginger: adjust the quantity to how spicy you like it! Use fresh grated rather than ginger powder.
📖 Variations to the recipe
You can use either a carton of apple juice if this works for you, or freshly squeezed apple juice.
🔪 Step by step instructions
Making this chia fresca is the easiest recipe possible!
Step 1
Add the chia seeds and grated ginger to a jar or bowl.
Step 2
Pour on the apple juice and water, stir and then leave in the fridge for 15 minutes for the chia seeds to absorb the liquids. Pour into your glasses then enjoy!
💭 Recipe tips and notes
- Personally I use apple juice from a carton for this recipe. If you are sensitive to packaged products then you may want to use fresh juice you prepare yourself.
- Adjust the quantity of chia seeds to taste. This has a 'medium' amount, so reduce if you prefer a lighter sprinkle.
- Don't be tempted to leave it in the fridge for less than 15 minutes. A chia fresca needs a little time for the chia seeds to absorb the liquid.
📋 Health benefits of chia seeds
Chia seeds are bursting with health benefits. While often found in breakfast recipes, you can add them to this chia fresca as a fun way to get your nutrients. I like the Terrasoul Superfoods organic chia seeds.
As well as being a good source of vegan protein, chia seeds also provide fibre and omega 3 acids . It's also noted that chia seeds 'are high in antioxidants that help protect the delicate fats in the seeds. They also have various benefits for health' (Healthline). All in all, a great little ingredient to add to your food or drinks!
🥤 More refreshing drinks
Turmeric and pomegranate smoothie
Melon, peach and chia smoothie
I’m always in the kitchen, so come join me on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to be the first to hear of new recipes. And please do leave a ⭐ star rating ⭐ if you tried the recipe!
📖 Recipe
Apple Ginger Chia Fresca
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1.5 cups apple juice
- ½ tablespoon chia seeds adjust amount to preference
- grate ginger adjust quantity to preference
Instructions
- In a container that can be sealed, add all the ingredients and stir or shake to combine.
- Transfer to the fridge for 15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to expand.
- Pour into your glasses and enjoy!
Notes
- Personally I use apple juice from a carton for this recipe. If you are sensitive to packaged products then you may want to use fresh juice you prepare yourself.
- Adjust the quantity of chia seeds to taste. This has a fair amount, so reduce if you prefer a lighter sprinkle.
- Please note that nutritional information is offered as a courtesy. It is auto-generated and should be understood to be an estimate.
- ginger, which scores 1.
- apple juice in a carton may have other ingredients, so check the label.
Katie Clark says
Looks refreshing. I'm in search for drinks other than water that I can have. I like this idea, not straight apple juice. I personally, think I'll love the tadpoles:)
throughthefibrofog says
If you like tadpoles this is the drink for you!!! I hope you like it if you give it a try 🙂