Flaxseed
Description
Flaxseed is small, flat seeds with a golden-brown or more honey-colored hue and a mildly nutty, slightly bitter taste. When ground, it provides a creamy texture and easily binds liquids, creating a gel-like structure useful in cooking and baking. It is rich in soluble and insoluble fiber, plant protein, alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3), and lignans with antioxidant properties, which support digestion, positively influence lipid profiles, and may alleviate inflammation. In the kitchen, flaxseed is suitable for oatmeal, smoothies, yogurts, bread, cakes, and as a natural thickener or vegan egg substitute in baked goods. To maintain freshness and nutritional value, store whole seeds in a dry, dark, and cool place, and grind them just before use; keep ground flaxseed in the refrigerator or freezer in an airtight container.