California chia, Golden chia
Salvia columbariae

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A herb which can grow each year from seed or keep growing from year to year. It grows 50-60 cm high. The flowers are blue. The leaves are hairy or woolly. The leaves are 10 cm long and divided into leaflets along the stalk. It produces pods full of tiny seeds.

There are about 900 Salvia species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and warm temperate plant. It needs well drained soil. It needs a sunny position. It suits hardiness zone 7.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, USA

How it is used for food

Seeds used for chia drink. They are also used as a grain. They are roasted, ground into meal for baking for flat bread and porridge. The seeds are soaked in water then added to pancakes, waffles, biscuits and cakes. The leaves are occasionally used as a sage-like seasoning. The dried seeds heads can be brewed into a tea. Sprouted seeds can be used in salads and sandwiches.

It has been an important food.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Salvia grahami;