With origins in Mexico and northern Guatemala, the chia plant can be grown in Australia, Bolivia, Columbia, Peru, and Argentina, amongst different nations. It was historically used for medicinal functions and meals in Aztec and Mayan societies, however as we speak, the plant is primarily grown for its edible seeds1.
Simply 2 millimeters lengthy, chia seeds differ in coloration: You’ll discover black, grey, white, and black-spotted varieties (which run $7 to $9 per 12 ounces), however their dietary profiles are almost an identical1. The mild-flavored seeds are most well-known for his or her extremely absorbent nature, says Whitney Crouch, RDN, CLT, an integrative dietitian and LEAP therapist.
“The seeds are laborious till they’re moistened, and I usually see them utilized in dishes the place they’re in a position to soak up some liquid,” she explains. “Once they soak up liquid, they develop into gelatinous on the skin and, relying on how a lot liquid they’ve, they may nonetheless have slightly little bit of crunch on the within.”
