Chia, Mexican chia
Salvia hispanica

Family: Lamiaceae

What it is like

A small herb. Plants grow up to 1 m tall. It grows each year from seed. The leaves are opposite and 5-8 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. There are notches along the edges. The flowers are small and blue. They are in a spike at the top.

There are about 900 Salvia species. Seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They need well drained soil. It can grow in arid conditions. It needs a temperature between 14° and 20 °C. It suits hardiness zone 9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Cuba, El Salvador, Europe, Guatemala, India, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, Paraguay, Peru, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, West Indies

How it is used for food

The seeds are used to make a drink. They are soaked in water then lemon juice and cinnamon added. Chia leaves can be used to add flavour to poultry and meats. The sprouted seeds can be sprinkled on salads to give peppery taste. They are sprouted on a porous material to remove the slimy mucilage. The seeds can be prepared as a porridge. The ground seeds are used for bread, biscuits, muffins and cakes. The seeds yield an edible oil.

It is a cultivated food crop.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, seeds - oil

How it is grown

The plants are grown from seed.

Plants are very fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Spanish sage

Synonyms

Kiosmina hispanica (L.) Raf.; Salvia chia Sesse & Moc. [Illegitimate]; Salvia prysmatica Cav.; Salvia schiedeana Stapf; Salvia tetragona Moench;