Flax is ancient crop with documented use that dates to ancient Egypt. The herb was once widely used to spin linen and other textiles, including rope, wicks and sails. The five-celled seeds are used to produce linseed oil. Flax seed is also a nutritious snack and additive to grains, cereals and cooked foods. In addition to added flavor and texture, flax seed nutritiously enhances foods with significant levels of omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. These fatty acids are used by virtually every part of your body.

When it comes to superfoods, you can’t get much stronger than flax.

There are many ways you can use flax. First, it’s important that if you purchase whole seeds you that you grind them before digesting. Whole seeds are too hard to be digested and will pass right through the body without delivering any nutrients. Instead, use a coffee grinder, food processor or blender to chop them into fine pieces. Once ground into a meal the ground flax seeds should be stored in the refrigerator to lengthen shelf life.

Use whole flax seed liberally in casseroles, salads, vegetable dishes, cereals, breads, muffins—even homemade pizza crust.

Ground flax seeds can be added to many foods. Adding one tablespoon to yogurt, cereal, or a smoothie will give you the fiber you need to last all day. Just make sure to drink a tall glass of water with it as well to make sure the fiber is used well by your body. You can also add flax seeds to sauces and soups. While you don’t want to cook them at a high heat, you can add them to a finished soup once it’s off the stove.

If you’re new to flax, you should start with a small amount. You’ll never need to have more than two tablespoons per day. Just one tablespoon will deliver a great deal of fiber to your diet and adding a second may be too much for your digestive system if you’re not used to it.

Other Uses

Cosmetic: Boil the whole seeds in water and strain, then use the reserved liquid as a natural hair gel.
Culinary: Grind and add to smoothies, shakes, cereals, soups and other foods. Can also be added to coffee grounds for a nutty flavor.
Aromatic/Craft: Use the seeds for aromatherapy products, like herbal eye and neck pillows.
Industrial: Linseed oil is produced from pressed flax seeds.

Non-Organic flax seeds are available under the drop-down menu as "Other" options.

Botanical name: Linum usitatissimum
aka: linseed, fleax, plek
Origin: USA
Notes: Vegan Certified. Organic Non-GMO. Earth Kosher Certified. Approximate cups per lb: 2.5