Chia Fresca- Mexican lemonade with added pizazz

Chia fresca is a seriously refreshing drink on a hot day, and before excercising.

We are always on the lookout for healthy foods or drinks that can help us get out on our daily run after a tiring working day- see here for some more tips- so when, while researching the amazing nutritional benefits of chia seeds for June's Ingredient of the Month, I came across this Mexican drink, I couldn't wait to try it out! As unappetising as it looks, it's actually really delicious, and the perfect runners' drink as it's both hydrating and slows down the absorption of sugars into the bloodstream. It can be made with more or less chia seeds (we went for more) according to your taste. They do become gelatinous when mixed with water, but the thicker texture is actually quite pleasant- a bit like one of those coconut jelly drinks you get in cartons. Chia fresca is so easy to make, and this recipe makes 4 generous servings.

4 cups water (1 cup = 250ml)

4 tabs whole chia seeds

the juice of 8 lemons (or the equivalent amount in limes)

7 tabs agave nectar (traditionally honey is used, but agave nectar is also Mexican)

a few mint leaves and lemon slices to garnish

• Whisk the chia seeds up with the water and set aside for the gel to form.
• Meanwhile, squeeze the lemons and stir in the agave nectar. Agave dissolves really well in liquids, so just a quick stir will probably do.
• Whisk the juice and agave into the chia and water and serve with a slice of lemon and a sprig of mint. You might want to stir it in the glass just before drinking to distribute the chia evenly.

...And while we're on the subject of chia seeds, why not join in this month's event?