Plant-based milk is not just limited to soy, oat, and almond. There are many options, such as the more unusual flaxseed milk. Read on to learn the benefits and how you can make flaxseed milk at home.
The flaxseed likely originated in Egypt thousands of years ago. It is a tiny, nutty-tasting seed packed with omega 3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber. It comes from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), which can grow up to 2ft tall. Flaxseed comes in two forms: ground and whole, which nutritionally are the same. The ground flaxseed (flax meal) is easier for your intestines to digest.
Unlike almond milk’s nutty and sweet taste, flaxseed milk has a nutty and earthy taste. In this piece, we will cover flaxseed milk, its benefits and drawbacks, and a flaxseed milk recipe to send you on your way to your very own flaxseed milk production from home.
Benefits of Flaxseed Milk
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Is flaxseed milk good for you? Flaxseed milk is a rare vegan-friendly plant-based milk option that neither contains nuts, soy, or potentially gluten-contaminated oats. On top of this, it is heart-healthy, packed with calcium, and contains vitamins A, B12, and D. This superfood may even help manage obesity.
Flaxseeds have a relatively low environmental impact, although their water footprint is quite high. Be sure to buy non-GMO and organic to avoid using any toxic or chemical pesticides in their production.
Drawbacks of Flaxseed Milk
Although flaxseed milk has many benefits, there are a few minor drawbacks. For example, flaxseed milk is not very high in protein, so if you’re looking for your protein fix, this plant-based milk is not your choice. Flaxseeds are also full of fiber which is great for your intestinal health. Still, you’ll want to be careful to consume within the recommended daily amount to avoid side effects like constipation, diarrhea, or stomachache.
Flaxseeds, like some other plant-based milk, can sometimes separate in coffee. You can avoid this by heating the milk and coffee together once poured. You could also try pouring the milk first and then slowly pouring in your coffee.
How to Make Flaxseed Milk: Recipe
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Flaxseeds produce a thick, jelly-like substance when processed, and so require a lot of patience to filter when filtering out with a cheesecloth. It’s best to leave it for about 10 minutes before returning to scrape the rest of the gel. You can even put it in the freezer for 5 minutes to make removing the flaxseed gel from the top easier. You can use the flaxseed gel as a vegan egg substitute in your next plant-based recipe.
You will need:
- 1/4 cup whole flaxseeds OR 1/3 cup flaxseed meal
- 3 cups water
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large date (Medjool works nicely)
- Cheesecloth
Method
- Place all the ingredients in the blender thoroughly.
- Pour into a container and leave it to rest for 10 minutes. During this time, the seed husks & fibers will separate, making it easier to scoop out.
- Next, filter with your cheesecloth. Your milk is ready to use! It can be stored in the fridge for around 3-5 days.
Did you know that flax seeds make a perfect chia seed substitute?
Read more:
- Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds: What’s the Difference and Which is Better?
- Homemade Oat Milk: A Simple & Sustainable Recipe
- Is Almond Milk Vegan? Let’s Take a Look
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