Incredible Chia

Chia seeds are one of the most nutritionally dense foods on the planet. Containing 30% Omega 3 essential fatty acids and a host of B-group vitamins including Thiamine and Folate, they make the perfect healthy substitute to grains and pasta. Chia can also be easily added to smoothies, breakfast cereals and salads.

What is chia?

Chia comes from the seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant, a herb that is closely related to mint. Chia’s cultivation dates back to the Aztec Empire where it was widely grown from what is now modern-day Mexico all the way down to Northern Nicaragua. It is believed that chia was as much a staple food as maize (corn) and was regularly given as tribute. Today chia is cultivated across the globe and used in many conventional foods such as bread, muesli and protein bars

Chia for nutrition:

Chia is a powerful super-food which delivers on its title. Chia seeds are a rich plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids, protecting against inflammation, arthritis, and heart disease. Packed with antioxidants, iron, and protein, they are also an excellent source of dietary fibre, making the ingredient an all-round star in the health stakes.

How can chia be used?

Chia can be used as a whole seed, either baked into a recipe, scattered over a meal or stewed. It can also be soaked overnight to create a raw chia pudding. If you have a high-powered blender chia can also be milled into a flour. Because of its excellent gelling properties whole and milled chia can be used as an egg substitute making it the perfect ingredient for raw recipes like cheesecake, trifle. Chia also adds body to stews and soups and the slow-cooked nature of these dishes also allows your body to better access the nutrients stored inside the chia seed.

Organic Black Chia and White Chia are available now at The Essential Ingredient Rozelle. Please call us on +612 9555 8300 for pricing and current stock levels.