Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are small, oval- shaped, black seeds with a hint of gray or white that have been cultivated since the days of the Aztecs. They are extremely versatile and are found in many dishes, ranging from breads and desserts to smoothies and savory dishes. With a mere teaspoon containing as many as 4.7 g of dietary fiber, 0.7 g of omega-3 fatty acids, and 2 g of protein, chia seeds have been named “the world’s super food". In addition, chia seeds are also said to possess anti-inflammatory properties, help with blood sugar control, and provide energy for longer periods of time. Therefore, understanding how these incredibly nutritious, tiny seeds are created, grown, and travel from the farm to your dinner plate helps to ensure that you benefit from all their amazing properties.

The Story of How Chia Seeds are Created

Chia is a species of flowering plant in the mint family, and that is also native to South and Central America. It is believed that its seeds were first cultivated and used as part of the Mayan diet thousands of years ago, although they have recently been re-discovered and widely appreciated. Chia seeds, also known as Salvia Hispanica, are fairly resilient and capable of growing in a variety of climates, including hot and dry areas. They are usually harvested once a year, usually around April or May.

The harvesting process starts with the farmer cutting down the plant and drying the stems over a fire or on other warming devices in order to produce seeds suitable for human consumption. Once they are dried, they are then placed in baskets and beaten with sticks in order to loosen the seeds from the stems and separate them from the stalks and husks. Finally, the loose chia seeds are passed through a sieve to remove any remaining debris and then manually inspected for quality.

The next step in the process is the manufacturing and packaging of the chia seeds. First, the seeds are taken to a processing plant where they are milled, roasted, milled again, and then sorted and packaged, according to the qualities desired for the product and the type of use for which it will be employed. Once packaged, the chia seed products are then ready to be shipped out to the customers and consumers.

Chia Seeds from Farm to Plate

Once the harvested and processed chia seeds have been packaged and shipped out, they can travel worldwide, arriving to their final destination where they are ready to become part of a delicious meal.

When chia seeds are cultivated, they are usually sent to large processing plants located either in their country of origin or to a nearby country. From there, they are shipped out to countries in different parts of the world, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries in Europe and Asia. The chia seeds are usually shipped in bulk containers and transported via ocean freighters, air carriers, or trucks.

Once the chia has arrived in its destination country, it is either sent directly to the customer or to a local distributor, who will then supply local groceries, convenience stores, health food stores and other retail outlets, which in turn make the products available for customers.

Uses of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are incredibly versatile, and as such, they have a wide variety of uses. They can be used to make breads, crackers, pancakes, smoothies and cereals, just to name a few. Moreover, due to their unique nutritional benefits, they are often used as a healthy addition to many meals, including salads, oatmeal, and yogurt. Chia seeds are also used in baking and as a topping for other dishes, like the traditional Latin American drink, horchata de chia. In addition to being a great source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, they are also believed to reduce inflammation, help with blood sugar control, and help provide energy for longer periods of time.

Conclusion

Chia seeds are a remarkably nutritious, versatile ingredient with a vast number of culinary and health applications. From their humble beginnings in the ancient Mayan culture to being shipped around the world and brought to a dinner plate in many countries, chia seeds have truly earned the title of “super food”. Whether eaten as a snack, blended into a smoothie, or added to make muffins, chia seeds are a great way to add nutrition and healthy benefits to many of your favorite meals.