Chia Seeds 2.2 lb / Semillas de Chia 1 kg

Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family, native to central and southern Mexico, but they can also come from the related Salvia columbariae, from the southwestern United States and Mexico.

Chia seeds are oval and gray with black and white spots, having a diameter of around 2 millimeters (0.08 in). They have the characteristic of being hygroscopic, which means they absorb up to 12 times their weight in liquid when soaked, and they develop a mucilaginous coating that gives chia-based foods and beverages a distinctive gel texture.

Nutritional information

Dried chia seeds contain 6% water, 42% carbohydrates, 16% protein and 31% fat. They are a rich source of the B vitamins, thiamin and niacin. Several dietary minerals are in rich content, including calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc.

The fatty acids of chia seed oil are mainly unsaturated, being linoleic acid and linolenic acid the major fats. Chia seeds serve as a rich plant-based source of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Chia seeds may be added to other foods as a topping or put into smoothies, breakfast cereals, energy bars, granola bars, yogurt, tortillas and bread. They also may be made into a gelatin-like substance or consumed raw.The gel from ground seeds may be used in place of eggs in cakes while providing other nutrients, and is a common substitute in vegan and allergen-free baking.