Flax seeds are called alsi (अलसी) in Hindi. In English they are also known as linseed. Across India you will hear jawas (Marathi), ali vidhai (Tamil), avise ginjalu (Telugu) and agase beeja (Kannada). Alsi has a long place in Indian kitchens — from alsi pinni in Punjab to roasted alsi mukhwas after meals. Here is how to eat flax seeds, the difference between raw and roasted, and what they contain.
How to eat flax seeds (alsi)
- Ground: whole flax seeds have a hard coat and can pass through the gut whole, so they are usually eaten ground. Grind a small batch at a time.
- Roasted: dry-roasted alsi is crunchy and nutty and can be eaten as it is, or with a pinch of salt as a mouth freshener.
- In food: add ground alsi to roti or paratha dough, raita, chutney, smoothies, oats and laddoos.












