What is flaxseed milk and how is it made?
Flaxseed milk is a dairy-free drink made from flax seeds or flax oil and water. At home you blend about half a cup of flax seeds with 4.5 cups of water, strain the mixture through a nut bag or cheesecloth and chill it. Store-bought flax milk is usually made with flax oil and often fortified, so check the label.
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What is flaxseed milk?
Flaxseed milk, also called flax milk, is a plant-based drink that replaces dairy milk. Homemade versions use flax seeds and water. Many store-bought versions use cold-pressed flaxseed oil, with protein and vitamins added, according to retailer descriptions of one popular brand. Because the two methods differ, nutrition differs, so read the label of the product you buy.
How do you make flaxseed milk at home?
A recipe page gives these ingredients: 4.5 cups water and 0.5 cup flax seeds. The steps are:
- Blend the water and flax seeds on high for 1 minute, rest 2 minutes, blend 1 minute more, rest 5 minutes, then blend 30 seconds.
- Strain through a nut bag or a cheesecloth-lined strainer into a pitcher.
- Press the solids to get out the liquid, then twist and squeeze the cloth to extract the rest.
The page lists about 9 minutes of prep. It does not give storage advice, so treat it like other fresh plant milks: refrigerate it in a sealed container and use it within a few days. Discard it if it smells off.
How do you change the thickness?
The recipe says using less water makes a thicker milk that can act as a cream substitute in recipes. The milk may be slightly gel-like, because flax seeds release a mucilage when soaked, which is normal.
How is store-bought flax milk different?
- Often made with flax oil rather than whole seeds.
- May be fortified with vitamins and protein.
- Comes in unsweetened, original and vanilla versions, with different sugar levels.
- Shelf-stable or refrigerated, depending on the brand.
What does it taste like?
Flavor varies by method and brand. Homemade versions taste of the seed and can be earthy; commercial ones are usually milder.
How can you use it?
Drink it chilled, pour over cereal, add to smoothies or use in baking in place of milk.
Who might avoid it?
People with seed allergies should be cautious. Check the label for allergens.
People also ask
How do you make flaxseed milk?
Blend 0.5 cup flax seeds with 4.5 cups water in short bursts with rests, then strain through a nut bag or cheesecloth.
How is store-bought flax milk made?
Retailer descriptions of one brand say it uses cold-pressed flaxseed oil, with protein and vitamins added. Read your brand's label.
How do I make flax milk thicker?
Use less water; the recipe says this can make it thick enough to replace cream.
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