Flaxseed is the seed of the flax plant, which is believed to have originated in Egypt. It grows throughout Canada and the northwestern United States. Flaxseed oil comes from flaxseeds.
What It Is Used For :
Flaxseed is most commonly used as a laxative.
Flaxseed is also used for hot flashes.
Flaxseed oil is used for different conditions than flaxseed, including arthritis.
Both flaxseed and flaxseed oil have been used for high cholesterol levels and in an effort to prevent cancer, heart disease, blood pressure, diabetes, menopause, osteoporosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, and dry eyes.
Buy ground flaxseed in vacuum-packed bags. Most people refrigerate their flaxseed. Whole seeds will last from 10-12 months while ground flax has a shelf life of about four months, even out of the refrigerator.
The recommended daily amount of flaxseed is approximately 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseed, or 1 teaspoon of flax oil.
Ways to include flax seed in home cooking :
Substitute flax seed mixture for eggs in home baking such as muffin and pancake (1 tbsp milled flax seed, plus 3 tbsp water= 1 egg). Final products will have less volume and taste gummier
Include in other recipes when nutty flavor is preferred
Substitute flax seed oil for other oils.
Mix a tablespoon of the ground seeds with 2 tablespoons of honey, and then spread the mixture on toast. It has a nutty flavor and is a great alternative to buttering your toast.
Sprinkle ground flax on cereal, yogurt, or salads.
Mix flax into meatloaf or meatballs.
Add ground flax to pancake, muffin, or cookie batter, or other baked goods such as pie crust.
Coat fish or homemade chicken nuggets in ground flaxseed and oven fry.
Toss salads with flax oil and vinegar.
Flax Snack–
1 cup Karo corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup smooth peanut butter
1 cup ground flax
1 teaspoon vanilla
6 cups of Rice Krispies
Mix together the first five ingredients in a saucepot over low heat until melted and smooth. Add Rice Krispies to the pot and stir. Pour contents into a buttered 9"x13" pan. Press down to flatten. Stir, cool, and cut into 8 bars.