Health food enthusiasts are likely familiar with chia seeds. And still, many of you might be unsure whether chia seeds are a spice or a superfood?
That’s where I come in! To answer the question posed earlier. The answer is both! Chia seeds are a superfood packed with dietary fiber, proteins, minerals, and unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic and alpha-linolenic acids. At the same time, they have a delicate flavor and unique aroma that make them a refreshing, healthier alternative to commonly used seeds in baking and seasoning, such as flaxseeds.
Now that we've established that chia seeds are both tasty and nutritious, let’s dive into the next question: what exactly are chia seeds? As you may have guessed, they are indeed the seeds of a plant called chia.
Also known as 'Salvia hispanica,' chia is a relative of mint, native to the Americas. (Yes, you can brew fresh chia leaves into tea, but that’s not our focus today.) In pre-Columbian South American culture, chia played a vital role—so vital, in fact, that there are many ancient carvings depicting chia as an offering to the gods and as a staple food source. Today, many believe chia was as important as corn in these early societies, raising an intriguing question.
Corn is nowadays one of the most widespread crops globally, used in everything from flour and sweeteners to biofuel and more. Since it’s also the main feed for livestock, one could argue that when we consume meat, eggs, or dairy, we’re essentially eating popcorn (you can read more about how corn took over the world here).
So, if the Aztecs held both chia and corn in such high regard, why has corn become a global empire while chia remains relatively niche?
Honestly, I don’t have a clear answer. We know the Spanish colonizers were fascinated by corn, and by the 16th century, it had become a common crop in Europe and Asia. The Spanish did encounter chia and documented its widespread use, which is not so different from how we use chia today. Yet, chia seeds only became popular in Europe in the late 20th century, and even then, their popularity mostly remained within the vegan and natural food scenes.
This is a shame, because chia seeds are not only incredibly healthy, but they also add a refreshing flavor and aroma that can enhance salads, baked goods, and all kinds of smoothies. So, if you haven’t yet explored the wonders of chia, we’ve got some fantastic chia seeds from our garden, grown organically and dried in the sun.
