Salvia Hispanica, better known by the name of the chia plant, is a flowering plant in the mint family. The chia plant is most well known for its tiny black seeds that can be dated back to being used thousands of years ago. Chia seeds were a dietary staple to the Mayan and Aztecs in Central America and Mexico 2-3,000 years ago, where the chia plant grows natively. Chia seeds, when put in water or another liquid, will absorb the liquid and form a gelatinous coating around the seed. Once water is added, the chia seeds can absorb up to 27 times their weight in water.

While chia seeds were a much-needed food in the ancient Mayan and Aztec civilizations, they  have been slowly declining in the sales and growth of the product. The chia industry probably grew the most in the 1980s when an American company started to sell terracotta figurines that, when watered, sprouted chia to resemble the figurine fur or hair. Since then, chia plants and chia seeds have decreased in popularity. In fact, few people have even heard of the chia seed! However, 8th grader Srishty Pareek includes chia seeds in her diet daily. “Chia seeds cool your body and give you lots of fiber,” says Pareek. “I add chia seeds in my milk everyday… my family [also] adds some chia seeds to my bars and cookies to make them more healthy.” Although Pareek seems to eat chia seeds a lot, very few students on campus actually know what they are.

When dry, chia seeds taste very similar to poppy seeds. Chia seeds that are soaked become very plump and taste sweet and soft, much like tapioca pearls. This sweet and soft consistency can make a yummy tapioca-like pudding. To some, the soaked chia seeds may taste slimy and oozy. Chia seeds are commonly soaked in drinks to add some flavor, thickness, jelly-like crunch. However, chia seeds can be used like tapioca pearls, sesame seeds, or poppy seeds. Many people enjoy adding chia seeds to their food because of their light taste, since the seeds will not affect the flavor of any dish. They can be added to any and every dish, including soups, drinks, salads, sandwiches and wraps, yogurt, muffin, cookies, cakes, breads, and so much more. However, do not eat dry chia seeds whole by the handful, as this can become dangerous. The chia seeds can absorb the water in your body and expand a lot, which could block your esophagus, causing you to choke.

Recently, chia seeds have been steadily growing in popularity because of their many health benefits. The Mayan people used to carry bags of chia seeds to replenish their bodies with energy during long trips. The ancient Mayan people saw visible improvements in physical endurance and strength when chia seeds were added to their diet. In fact, the word “chia” is the Mayan word for “strength”! In recent years, scientists have discovered that the tiny seeds can pack a powerful nutritious punch. Chia seeds are full of Omega-3 Fatty Acids which support brain and heart function and promote healthy skin and hair. Some people in Mexico say that 1 tablespoon of chia seeds can give you enough energy for over 24 hours! That wouldn’t be surprising considering that chia seeds are a rich source of essential minerals, antioxidants, protein, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, and many other micronutrients that are very helpful to the human body. Plus, chia seeds are hydrophilic, which means that the seeds can absorb and retain lots of water. This will keep you full and hydrated all day.

Not only are chia seeds delicious and easy to incorporate into your diet- they’re also a great source of energy and nutrition. These tiny seeds are now considered superfoods because of their nutritional value, and are being sold in more and more stores. These healthy seeds are perfect to put in your snack for an on-the-go energizer, or in your meal as a delicious, hearty addition.