Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a plant of the genus Salvia in the Mint family. It originated in the central Valley of Mexico. source
Chia (Salvia hispanica) is a plant of the genus Salvia in the Mint family. It originated in the central Valley of Mexico.
Chia was largely cultivated by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times as one of five major plant sources of food. source
Chia was largely cultivated by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times as one of five major plant sources of food.
Chia adds antioxidants and a variety of vitamins, minerals and fibre. source
Chia adds antioxidants and a variety of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
For all these health related benefits, chia is in the process of application before the EU authorities to be considered as a novel food. source
For all these health related benefits, chia is in the process of application before the EU authorities to be considered as a novel food.
Chia seeds are typically small ovals with a diameter of about one millimeter. source
Chia seeds are typically small ovals with a diameter of about one millimeter.
Chia seeds are mottle-coloured with brown, gray, black and white. source
Chia seeds are mottle-coloured with brown, gray, black and white.
Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fibre and significant levels of antioxidants . source
Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fibre and significant levels of antioxidants .
The oil from chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid approximately 64%. source
The oil from chia seeds contains a very high concentration of omega-3 fatty acid approximately 64%.
Chia seeds contain no gluten and trace levels of sodium. source
Chia seeds contain no gluten and trace levels of sodium.
Chia seed is traditionally consumed in Mexico, the southwestern United States, and South America, but is not widely known in Europe. source
Chia seed is traditionally consumed in Mexico, the southwestern United States, and South America, but is not widely known in Europe.
The United States Food and Drug Administration regards chia as a food with an established history of safe consumption. source
The United States Food and Drug Administration regards chia as a food with an established history of safe consumption.
Today, chia is grown commercially in its native Mexico, and in Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Guatemala. source
Today, chia is grown commercially in its native Mexico, and in Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Guatemala.
In 2008 Australia was the worlds largest producer of chia. source
In 2008 Australia was the worlds largest producer of chia.
Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fibre and omega-3 supplement. source
Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fibre and omega-3 supplement.
Grinding chia seeds produces a meal called pinole, which can be made into porridge or cakes. source
Grinding chia seeds produces a meal called pinole, which can be made into porridge or cakes.
Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. source
Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca.
Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes. source
Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes.
