Salvia hispanica

Salvia hispanica
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Lamiales
Family:	Lamiaceae
Genus:	Salvia
Species:	S. hispanica
Binomial name
Salvia hispanica L.

Salvia hispanica (Chia) is a plant of the genus Salvia in the family Lamiaceae native to Mexico. It was cultivated by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times, and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers. It is still widely used in Mexico and South America, with the seeds ground for nutritious drinks and as a food source.

Chia is grown commercially for its seed. This a food that is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the seeds yield 25-30% extractable oil, mostly α-linolenic acid (ALA). It also is a source of antioxidants and a variety of amino acids. Will soften your stool and in some cases causes Diareah. For all these health related benefits, chia is in the process of application before the EU authorities to be considered as a novel food.

Etymology

The word chia is derived from the Aztec word chian, meaning oily.^[1] The present Mexican state of Chiapas received its name from the Nahua "chia water or river."

Botany

Chia is an annual herb growing to 1 m tall, with opposite leaves 4–8 cm long and 3–5 cm broad. Its flowers are purple or white and are produced in numerous clusters in a spike at the end of each stem.

Chia seed

Seeds

Chia seeds are typically small ovals with a diameter of about one millimeter. They are mottle-colored with brown, gray, black and white. Chia seeds typically contain 20% protein, 34% oil, 25% dietary fiber (mostly soluble with high molecular weight), and significant levels of antioxidants (chlorogenic and caffeic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols). 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.

Chia seed is traditionally consumed in Mexico, the southwestern United States, and South America, but is not widely known in Europe. Historically, chia seeds served as a staple food of the Nahuatl (Aztec) cultures of Central Mexico. Jesuit chroniclers referred to chia as the third most important crop to the Aztecs behind only corn and beans, and ahead of amaranth. Tribute and taxes to the Aztec priesthood and nobility were often paid in chia seed.

Today, chia is grown commercially in its native Mexico, and in Bolivia, Argentina, Ecuador and Guatemala. In 2008, Australia was the world's largest producer of chia. . A similar species, golden chia, is used in the same way but not widely grown commercially. Salvia hispanica seed is marketed most often under its common name "Chia," but also under several trademarks, including "Sachia," "Anutra," "Chia Sage," "Salba," "Tresalbio," and "Mila".

Food preparation

Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega-3 supplement. Ground chia seed is sometimes added to pinole, a coarse flour made from toasted maize kernels. Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes. Chia sprouts are sometimes grown on porous clay figurines which has led to the popular U.S. cultural icon of the Chia Pet.

External links

• European Food Safety Authority Opinion of the Scientific Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies ...
• Simple grain offers health benefits to diabetics
• Three reasons to eat chia seeds, Andrew Weil, University of Arizona