A method is provided for fortifying a seed, grain, nut, bean, or the like
with an essential fatty acid such as docosahexaenoic acid or
eicosapentaenoic acid. The method comprises dissolving a quantity of the
essential fatty acid in a solvent in which the fatty acid is soluble,
mixing the solvent containing the essential fatty acid with water and
soaking the seed in the mixture so that the essential fatty acid is
absorbed into the seed. The seeds may be germinated, dried and ground to
a powder, if desired. Using the method, it is possible to produce seeds
that can be used as a dietary source of that essential fatty acid. This
is advantageous as it allows for the inclusion of an oily substance into
a variety of foods without the problems of clumping or phase separation
normally associated with the addition of oils to dry foods or aqueous
liquids. As well, with the use of algae or plant derived essential fatty
acids, it is possible to obtain an easily consumable dietary source of an
essential fatty acid that is not animal derived. A seed that has been
soaked in an aqueous mixture containing an essential fatty acid so as to
become fortified with the fatty acid, and a food product formed using the
seed are also provided.
