March 2026 with DCNS: Exploring a Recent Food Trend - Chia Seeds

Last month in the DCNS blog - we discussed some of the food trends for 2026 and how chefs are enhancing menu items with ingredients that boost nutrient content. These dishes are not only satisfying but also visually appealing and rich in nutrients, protein, and omega-3s. This month, we’re diving into the trend of incorporating chia seeds into cooking to increase protein, fiber, and nutrients in everyday meals.

Enhancing Menu Items with Chia Seeds

Chia seeds have been used in cooking across many cultures

history. Chefs and cooks who understand their nutritional value and unique protein content have long appreciated their benefits. Recently, chefs have started experimenting with chia seeds to find innovative ways to enhance the protein and fiber content of their dishes.

If you’ve never seen or tried chia seeds, you can find them in your local grocery store or specialty market, usually shelved alongside other seeds like flaxseeds and quinoa. Chia seeds are small, black or white seeds encased in an outer shell that swells when soaked or added to liquid.

Because chia seeds tend to swell, cooks are cautious about adding large amounts to liquids. However, there are many online recipes, YouTube cooking videos, and blogs that demonstrate safe quantities for using chia seeds in recipes. Chia seeds have a mild, neutral flavor, making them a versatile addition to various dishes.

For example, you can add chia seeds to milk, yogurt, or fruit juices and chill them to create a creamy, delicious, and nutritious pudding or textured yogurt dish. To enhance the flavor and nutrition, try adding nuts, berries, raisins, granola, or fruit pieces. These combinations make for a perfect chia-based breakfast, snack, or quick lunch item like a yogurt smoothie or fruit bowl.

Updates from the Garden

Spring is finally here, and it’s time to wake the garden up from its winter rest! This month, we’re focusing on rearranging plants to ensure they get optimal sunlight and have enough space to grow.

Here’s what we’re planting this season:

Bell Peppers	Cabbage	Celery	Carrots	Garlic
Swiss Chard	Tomatoes	Swiss Chard	Yellow Onions	Green bunching onions
Corn	Bell Radishes	Lettuce	Strawberries	Ssukgat (Korean Chrysanthemum greens)

Also, everyone in the community garden makes sure to plant flowers that attract bees and deter pests, such as marigolds, Hollyhocks, daisies, alyssum, dianthus, gladiolas, chrysanthemums, and sunflowers.

Share Your Experiences

We encourage you to try this month’s DCNS recipe: chia pancakes! It’s a great way to introduce chia seeds into your meals. If you’re new to using chia seeds in your cooking, or if you're already using them, we’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences and favorite recipes by emailing us through the "Contact Us" link at the top of the webpage. We look forward to your stories and ideas!