Flax Seed

I have found something amazing that I am so excited to share with you all. I found a recipe on the Internet using flax seed as a substitute for eggs. This is exciting for a couple reasons:

1st: Flax seed is easily stored, good for our 3 month storage and possibly long term as well.

2nd: Flax seed is very good for you. It is loaded with omega -3 fatty acids which can help lower cholesterol. The health benefits listed for these little seeds are long including helping control blood sugar, protection against certain types of cancer including breast and prostate, it contains a complete protein source, and is high in fiber for your digestive system.

3rd: Flax has a nutty delicious taste : )

As far as storing flax seed goes, the information that I found was sketchy. I do know that storing the seed whole rather than ground is best. One source said that the seed would last for 2 years in a cool dry place. Other sources said refrigerated is best. I will continue to research this and let you know. In the mean time, I will store mine in the freezer. I also read that to get the nutritional benefits from the flax seed, it must be ground, otherwise, it just passes through whole.

Where to find: Winco sells it in the bulk food section. I know you can get it at the Co-Op as well. I have not yet checked prices.

I have done a little experimenting this week to try out the egg substitute flax. I first tried it in my blender pancakes and it worked great. Next we tried it in our sourdough pancakes and they were a little gooey. I think I might try using the flax for half the eggs next time. And then yesterday I used it for 2 of the 3 eggs in zucchini bread, which I also substituted applesauce for half the oil. Everyone loved the bread.

There are a couple options in making the flax seeds turn into an eggy substance. What I did was to put the flax seed along with the water in my blender and blend it up. Then I cooked it either on the stove or in the microwave for about a minute. Then let it cool a bit before adding it to my recipe. It gels up as it cools. Supposedly you can add the whole seeds to boiling water and then simmer for 20 minutes and it will release the eggy substance. Then you can strain out the seeds. But, in doing this you would lose the great fiber source and some of the nutrition as well, I believe.

If you like this recipe for the egg substitute and find recipes to use it in that you like (or don't like), please leave a comment.

Ingredients
1 tablespoon ground flax seeds
2-3 tablespoons water
Directions
1Simmer flax seeds and water in a saucepan for about 5 minutes (or less or more time depending on the amount you are making) or until thick, egg-like consistency has been reached.
2Let cool before using in a recipe.
3This recipe makes 1 eggs worth, but it can be easily made into a larger quantity using the 1:3 ratio- for example, 1 cup ground flax seeds and 3 cups water (that would make 16 eggs worth) and will keep in the fridge for about 2 weeks.
4Use about 1/4 cup (which is equal to 4Tbs) egg substitute for every egg

Sources:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/nutrition_articles.asp?id=451

http://www.recipezaar.com/104832

http://www.mormonchic.com/recipe/recipebox/pages/foodstorage.asp

Important Points

In the post below are "Official Church Answers to questions about Family Home Storage".

I love the simplicity of the new guidelines. The brochure "Family Home Storage" and Family Finances are very short simple and to the point.

I think that it is very important to prioritize. As King Benjamin counseled, “See that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength.” I think this could apply to our food storage as well.

To me wisdom would be to prioritize. This order makes sense to me.

1. Do we have enough food and water to sustain our family for 72 hours, and is is portable and easy to access?

2. Do we have enough food and money to sustain our family for a 3 month period. Is this food that our family is used to eating? Don't forget the money part! The church does not specifically say 3 months, it does say, "Gradually build a financial reserve, and use it for emergencies only. If you save a little money regularly,
you will be surprised how much accumulates over time."

3. Get out of debt. We have been counseled, "Spending less money than you make is essential to your financial security. Avoid debt, with the exception of buying a modest home or paying for education or other vital needs. Save money to purchase what you need. If you are in debt, pay it off as quickly as possible."

4. Long term food storage. Once your house is in order as outlined above, it is time to work on long term food storage.

"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."

Sources: http://providentliving.org/fhs/pdf/WE_FamilyResourcesGuide_International_04008_000.pdf
http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7587-1-4087-1,00.html

Family Home Storage: Official Church Answers to questions about Family Home Storage

What is the most important thing I can do regarding family home storage?
Get started!
If you have already begun, faithfully continue your efforts. As President Hinckley taught: “We can begin ever so modestly. We can begin with one week’s food supply and gradually build it to a month and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. As all of you recognize, this counsel is not new. But I fear that so many feel that a long-term food supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all. Begin in a small way, my brethren, and gradually build toward a reasonable objective” (In Conference Report, Oct. 2002, 65; or Ensign, Nov. 2002, 58).

What’s new or different in the new pamphlet All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage?
The pamphlet emphasizes the need to build a small supply of food that is part of your normal daily diet, store some water, and save some money. Over time establish a supply of basic foods such as wheat, white rice, and beans for longer-term needs.

What’s the difference between the three-month and “longer-term” supply items?
Three-month supply items are non-perishable foods that you normally eat, such as canned and commercially packaged foods that have a stable shelf life. “Longer-term” supply items are basic food items like grains and beans that have very low moisture content (about 10% or less), can be stored for long periods of time (20–30 years), and would sustain life if nothing else were available to eat. A portion of longer-term supply items may be rotated into the three-month supply.

The Web site and the family home storage pamphlet state that longer-term storage items can last 30 years or longer. Isn’t that a much longer period of time than previously thought?
Yes. Properly packaged, low-moisture foods stored at room temperature or cooler (75°F/24°C or lower) remain nutritious and edible much longer than previously thought according to recent scientific studies. The studies, which are the first of their kind, increase the estimated shelf life for many products to 30 years or more (see chart for new estimates of shelf life). Previous estimates of longevity were based on “best-if-used-by” recommendations and experience. Though not studied, sugar, salt, baking soda (essential for soaking beans) and Vitamin C in tablet form also store well long-term. Some basic foods do need more frequent rotation, such as vegetable oil every 1 to 2 years. While there is a decline in nutritional quality and taste over time, depending on the original quality of food and how it was processed, packaged and stored, the studies show that even after being stored long-term, the food will help sustain life in an emergency.

New "Life Sustaining" Shelf-LifeEstimates (In Years)
Wheat 30+
White rice 30+
Corn 30+
Sugar 30+
Pinto beans 30
Apple slices 30
Macaroni 30
Rolled oats 30
Potato flakes 30
Powdered milk 20
Carrots 20

Why was the pamphlet produced at this time?
To teach the simple principles of home storage and encourage participation. It offers hope by showing that it is possible for most Church members to prepare for adversity, starting modestly by storing a few items of food, filling a few leak-proof containers with water, and saving a few coins each week. The pamphlet helps eliminate the perceived complexity of home storage.

Does the information outlined in the pamphlet supersede all previous counsel?
Yes.

Where do I start?
Start by adding a few storable items that you typically eat, storing some water that is safe to drink, and saving some money, if only a few coins each week. Then over time, expand these initial efforts—as individual circumstances allow and where permitted—by storing a longer-term supply of basics such as grains, beans, and other staples.

How quickly should I obtain my food storage?
It is not prudent to go to extremes or go into debt to establish your home storage all at once. Gradually build reserves over time as financial resources and space permit.

How often should I rotate stored products?
Continually use and replenish the food in your three-month supply to avoid spoilage. You may wish to rotate into your regular meals elements of your longer-term food supply. Such items can, however, if properly packaged and stored in a cool, dry place, last 30 or more years. See the Home and Family section of the Church’s Web site, LDS.org, for more information about home storage rotation and packaging.

Where can I get more information on family home storage?
Go to the Church’s Web site, LDS.org, and look under "Home and Family." You can also get information at Church home storage centers.



Will more information on home storage be forthcoming?

The pamphlet was included in the August 2007 issue of the Ensign and Liahona magazines. Additional magazine articles on various principles of home storage and family finances will regularly appear through 2009. The Church’s Web site will also have periodic featured articles on home storage and finances.

Will Church home storage centers offer fewer products?
Home storage centers continue to offer the same products. However, the product list is being reviewed and may be reduced in the future. What about 72-hour kits? Church members are encouraged to prepare for adversity by building a basic supply of food, water, money, and, over time, longer-term supply items. Beyond this, Church members may choose to store additional items that could be of use during times of distress.

Source: http://providentliving.org/content/display/0,11666,7636-1-4104-1,00.html#question_14