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Flax Seed- Linum Usitatissimum




Flax is a beautiful annual plant with a sky blue flower. It is easy to grow and looks good in most any mixed border. You can start it from seed in pots or sow directly where you want it to grow. The plant doesn't require a very fertile soil and does best in full sun. It's delicate appearance doesn't hint at what a powerhouse it is nutritionally.
Ground flax seed is an excellent source of omega 3 fatty acids which are important for heart health, to reduce inflammation and can help lower cholesterol. If using flax seed as a food, it is important to grind it otherwise it will just pass through your system virtually unchanged. Grind your flax seed with a coffee grinder and store the seeds in the refrigerator.
To use, add a tablespoon to your morning cereal or yogurt. Add a tablespoon to what ever spread you like for sandwiches. You can also substitute one tablespoon of ground flax seed plus 3 tablespoons of water for each egg called for in cookie, muffin and pancake recipes. It will alter the texture some what when used in this way. You can also just add a few tablespoons to your favorite baked goods recipes.
One of my favorite uses for flax seed has nothing to do with nutrition and everything to do with relaxation! I like to combine flax seed and lavender in my eye pillows. The fragrance of the lavender is very relaxing. The flax seed is naturally cooler than the air around it and is soothing to over worked eyes. I like to keep my eye pillow in the fridge so it's extra cold! I just added the dragonfly eye pillow to my Etsy shop.
(If you would like to buy flax seed for your own recipes or projects visit
http://www.jeansgreens.com
Everything in their shop is fresh and of the highest quality.)
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  1. Diary of a Madd Weekly PainterApril 28, 2009 at 12:26 PM

    Well, you are so right about flax. Nutrious and gorgeous. I planted (sowed) 3 packs of flax Sunday. I've tried them several times before w/ no luck. You have to find the prefered spot and they will stay and reproduce about like Mertensia. Love them.

    ReplyDelete
  2. maninthemoonherbsApril 28, 2009 at 5:11 PM

    They do like to pick where they want to live, don't they? All the flax in my garden are volunteers from previous plantings and I never know where it will pop up!

    ReplyDelete

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