It’s time to welcome back our Guest Blogger, Maddy Bellcroft. This week Maddy has been catching up with the Chia sisters on behalf of Fresh Choice Nelson. Take it away Maddy…
This week I had the pleasure of chatting with Chloe from Chia about their delicious range of drinks. Chloe and her family have worked tirelessly to build up a load of tasty, healthy locally made products. I always love supporting products made by good people who are doing exciting and innovative things.
Firstly, tell us a bit about how CHIA began?
My Dad, Ben, is a swimmer, and my sister, Florence, is a triathlete. I wanted to create a nourishing drink full of essential nutrients to help them with their busy lifestyles. Chia seeds are rich in many of the nutrients we need more of in our diet, such as magnesium, omega 3, iron and fibre. But, the seeds need to be hydrated for the nutrients to be used by our bodies. My dad and I hydrated the chia seeds and then added local blackcurrants, and our first CHIA product was born.
What is the philosophy behind your products?
Our aim is to create the healthiest beverages available in the most sustainable way we can. In the past year we became Nelson\’s first certified living wage employer and New Zealand’s first solar-powered juicery.
What is your favourite product that you make?
CHIA blackcurrant of course. The rich Nelson blackcurrants are a world secret and blended with hydrated chia seeds, makes the perfect health kick. Second up, is our fresh pressed apple and boysenberry juice, called ‘Bottled by the Sun’. This uses Nelson apples and Tasman Bay boysenberries. A great way to promote the wonderful growers here in Nelson, and that we are harnessing the Nelson sunshine to produce this juice.
Could you share some serving suggestions or recipe ideas using your product?
While CHIA is a great on the go drink, it is also a delicious and nutritious option served over coconut yoghurt, breakfast, or made into frozen ice blocks for the kids.
Thanks, Chloe, must be time for a stroll in the sun to Fresh Choice Nelson to pick up a nice cold bottle, or two, of CHIA.
Blackenbrook Wine @ Fresh Choice Nelson