Thirty-odd years ago hollow terra-cotta figurines in the shape of various animals were covered with moistened chia seeds which produced a luxuriant green pelt to simulate the coat of each critter and voila the Chia Pet became a pop culture icon!!
These days, the chia plant (Salvia Hispanica), a desert-living member of the mint family is recognized as nutritional powerhouse – helped by shout-outs from health gurus such as Andrew Weil and Dr. Oz as well as Christopher McDougall’s 2009 book Born to Run, about the chia-eating, distance-running Tarahumara people of Mexico.
The seeds were a dietary staple of the Mayans and Aztecs. A very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, they provide health benefits on par with fish oil, yet are appropriate for a vegetarian or vegan diet. Chia seeds also contain fiber, protein, antioxidants, and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Of particular value are chia’s hydrating and endurance properties. These seeds can absorb up to ten times their weight in water, and that gelling factor physically slows down the process by which our bodies convert soaked chia seeds’ carbs into simple sugars. And, in a piece published last spring in Bloomberg News, chia seeds have become a popular stimulant on Wall Street. Far healthier than Red Bull!!
Chia is mostly cultivated in Mexico and Bolivia. The seeds are smaller than sesame seeds and range in color from grayish brown to white. Unlike flax seeds, Chia seeds don’t have to be ground in order to release their full nutritional benefits and very importantly, they don’t turn rancid as quickly as flax seeds, either. They are very neutral in flavor so they can be easily added to just about anything.
The seeds themselves are available at many supermarkets as well as health food stores and many online sources. Always buy them raw and organic.
They can be sprinkled on oatmeal or yogurt, stirred into juice or added to a smoothie. They also make a healthful, delicious pudding.
Chia sprouts or micro greens are very nice in salads and sandwiches. If you decide to sprout your own, be sure to buy certified organic seeds specifically for sprouting from a company like Sproutpeople.
A Chia Pet might look super cute next to a little chia sprout farm on a sunny windowsill.