B.C. The seeds were consumed for food, and the plant was made into linen since the Babylonian times around 3000 B.C. Noted historical figures Charlemagne, Hippocrates, and Gandhi all consumed flax seed for its purported health benefits. Comparable in size to sesame seeds, flax seed is described as having a mild, wheatlike, nutty flavor. It may be purchased inexpensively in health food stores as seeds or oil.
Flax seed contains protein, fat, fiber, and a host of vitamins and minerals.
In its whole seed form, flax has 50 calories and 4 grams of fat per tablespooon. Although whole seeds can be used, flax seed can also be ground in a household coffee grinder, and the milled form is actually the most nutritious. Once ground, flax seed will remain wholesome up to 90 days in an airtight, opaque container. As whole seeds, you could expect to keep them for up to one year. Flax seed, either whole or ground, can be easily incorporated into products such as cookies, muffins, bread, meatloaf, or hot and cold cereals.