Nicoya has the hottest climate of all of the blue zones, so hydration is important. This drink, chan con limon, was one of my favorite ways to quench my thirst with delicious flavors. Chan seeds look and act like chia seeds but come from a different plant. They are enjoyed throughout Costa Rica and other parts of Central and South America for their taste and texture (and are known digestive aids, due to their fiber and antioxidant content). You can find chan seeds in Latin American grocery stores and at online retailers, and you can also substitute chia seeds if you wish.
Juice from 6 lemons
1 cup granulated sugar
1 quart plus 1 cup water
3 tablespoons chan seeds (or chia seeds)
Squeeze lemon juice into a large container or pitcher with 1 quart of water.
Add seeds to pitcher and let soak for 20 minutes or more, until they’ve expanded.
In a separate bowl, stir sugar with 1 cup of warm water until dissolved.
Add to lemon juice mixture; stir well to combine.
Serve over ice, if desired.
The Blue Zones Kitchen fuses scientific reporting, National Geographic photography and 100 recipes that may help you live to 100. The Blue Zones’ food tradition is going the way of the dodo bird, thanks to the encroachment of the American Food Culture.
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