Ask Arlene about Chia Seeds©

Ask Arlene about Chia Seeds©

By Arlene Wright-Correll

I have finally decided to change the “Art only Spoken Here©” column to “Ask Arlene©” since I seem to get 90% more questions about everything else except art.  However, when we get an art question that I have not written about over the past years, I will gladly answer it.  In the meantime, here is a new question.

A recent email question asks, “Are Chia seeds edible and are these what are used on Chia pets. Are they easy to grow?”

Yes, they are and yes they are edible. Chia seeds, originally used by the ancient Aztec culture as a food source, are prized for being high in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients. Our Home Farm Herbery Organic Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are extremely high in Omega-3 and are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Organic chia seeds can be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega-3 supplement. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits.

Chia Seeds help weight loss. Chia seeds are popular for weight loss since they reduce food cravings by preventing some of the food that you eat from getting absorbed into your system. This blockage of calorie absorption makes them a great diet helper and you feel fuller faster: They can also help your diet by making you feel full. This is because they absorb 10 times their weight in water, forming a bulky gel. These are also great for athletes because the "chia gel" can hydrate the body.  Plus there is evidence to suggest they can reduce blood pressure.  Omega-3: They are the richest plant source of Omega-3 (the vital fats that protect against inflammation—such as arthritis—and heart disease). In fact, they contain more Omega-3 than salmon!

Lots of benefits for diabetics because chia seeds slow down how fast our bodies convert carbohydrates into simple sugars, studies indicate they can control blood sugar. This leads scientists to believe chia seeds may have great benefits for diabetics.  They are easier to digest than flax seeds, and don't need to be ground up.

They can be eaten raw as they have a nice "nutty" flavor or they can be soaked in fruit juice as they do in Mexico where they call this "chia fresca". They're perfect in porridges and puddings and they make an ideal addition to baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits. We recommend two daily doses of about 20 g each (1.5 ounces total).

Chia seeds are tiny. You don't need to dig a hole to bury them. Lightly ruffle your weed-free garden area with a rake or, if you only have a few seeds and are spacing them carefully, loosen the earth with your fingers. Sprinkle a few seeds over the soil, and rub gently to cover them.  Water the seeds daily, and within about a week you can expect to see chia sprouts taking form.  When planting chia seeds directly into the garden, I create a carpet of chia and then thin the plants as they grow. Some are fed to the hens, some are used as mulch, and some are harvested while young to dry the leaves for chia tea.

Chia seeds germinate successfully in pots. If you want to start your chia plants indoors or close to your garden tap, sprinkle them lightly in your pot and water regularly. When they are about three inches tall, they are ready for transplanting.

Remember to mulch your chia plants and water them regularly. They thrive in an organic garden and don't like competing with weeds.  Chia plants grow as tall as an adult.  In addition to the health benefits associated with eating chia seeds and drinking chia leaf tea, chia flowers look lovely in the garden since they have a lovely purple/lavender colored flower. 

Note: If you wait until the flower head browns, you risk losing seed. Begin harvesting your chia as soon as most of the petals have fallen. Give them time to dry in paper bags or on a drying rack, but prepare for at least some of the chia seeds to break free in the process. Do not hang the plants upside down in your shed.

Tread the earth lightly and in the meantime may the Creative Force be with you.

Arlene Wright-Correll

Home Farm Herbery LLC.