Chia Power

Timelapse Video

 

 

According to Dr. Andrew Weil, MD. . .

In this article, published in 2006, Dr. Weil predicted: "You will begin to see chia being added to more and more commercial products, such as prepared baby foods, nutrition bars, and baked goods."

Apparently that statement was based on some inside knowledge:

Weil By Nature's Path Organic Chia Razz Pure Fruit And Nut Bars (16 pack)

At this moment, Amazon.com is completely sold out of these bars. I placed my order last week, and can attest to the fact that these bars are quite yummy!(However, the 6th graders we surveyed thought they were disgusting.)

Chia Fresca Video

A.D.H.D., Omega-3 Fatty Acids in the New York Times

Back on April 16, 2006, an article appeared in the Sunday Magazine of the New York Times entitled, Does Eating Salmon Lower the Murder Rate? The author cites several studies linking violent and antisocial behavior to a dietary deficiency in omega-3 fatty acids.

Although this was several months before I first heard about the omega-3 fatty acid content of chia seeds,  I was already interested in this aspect of nutrition.

I wrote this letter to the editor

In response to the article on omega-3 fatty acids, I have one observation: Children in schools across America are suffering from inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity. This epidemic of A.D.H.D. arguably began soon after American parents discontinued the practice of administering the dreaded daily spoonful of cod-liver oil!

Margaret Conover
Stony Brook, N.Y.

My letter was published on April 30, 2006!

 

SCIENCE ACTIVITIES

Why is Chia a superior subject for science experiments?

1. Seeds germinate within 24 hours
2. pH, salinity, temperature, light, pollution, and gravity cause measurable changes in germination and growth
3. Experimental results are seen in 4 days or less
4. Seedlings respond to some stimuli within 90 minutes
5. No special equipment is needed
6. Seeds are small, inexpensive, and sprout easily
7. Seeds are edible, tasty, and non-allergenic.

Another chia: Salvia columbariae

Salvia columbariae is another species of chia, native to the California and the American Southwest. Here is a descriptive datasheet from the USDA.

S. columbariae is also highly nutritional, and is the original "Indian Running Food."

S. columbariae is not cultivated anywhere, to our knowledge, and some reports state that it is the seed used in Chia Pets. But Michael P. Hirsch of the Chia Pet company, told me that Chia Pets once were sold with S. columbariae, but now S. hispanica is used.

 

Brown Chia Seeds are Immature

You really need to spend some time on Dr. Wayne Coates' website. He calls himself (rightly) "Mr. Chia" and he has done more than anyone to educate consumers about the benefits of chia seeds. He was asked about the difference between the two samples of chia seed pictured below.

His answer:
The seed on the left is clearly inferior quality, contains many immature seeds (brown) and even the black seeds are a lighter color which is not normal. The seed on the right is much higher quality. So look at the seed you buy, brown is bad, white(cream) or black are good.

Can You Eat Chia Sprouts?

I keep getting the question about eating chia micro-greens. I don't like them. They are bitter and hairy. And the goodness of the seeds (omega-3 oil and soluble fiber) doesn't make it into the seedlings. But if you must try for yourself, first visit:

Gil and Lori have been growing organic sprouts in San Francisco since 1993. They are the experts. They'll sell you the seeds and the equipment and the know-how to grow your own broccoli, sunflower, alfalfa sprouts and MORE! If you are into sprouts, this should be your number one stop.

Yes, they do know how to sprout chia seeds and have published their method here. 

THEY SAY: Chia is a profoundly slippery seed when wet, Chia pets are famous (chia is the "fur").  Chia is easy to grow as a Micro-Green.

But what do you think? Have you tried them?

Tarahumara Pinole and Chia Recipe

Matt, of No Meat Athlete, has adopted much of the diet of the Tarahumara people, the super-marathon runners of Sierra Madre who popularized chia eating among runners, a few years ago. (Read Born to Run.)

You may not be ready to give up meat, but a nice bowl of pinole and chia might be a good way to start your day.

Tarahumara Pinole and Chia Recipe.

The book is available here: https://pinolerecipes.com/

Some Yucky Chia Recipes, Collected from Here and There

Chia Milk by Sheltie Girl from Westchester, NY