Used in multiple popular recipes
Ingredient Information
Name
Chia seeds
Category
Frutos Secos
Popularity
35 recipes
Status
Inactive
Description
Chia seeds are small oval seeds, black, white, or gray in color, that come from the Salvia hispanica plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala. These seeds were a staple food for pre-Hispanic civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans, who valued their high energy and nutritional content.
Today, chia seeds are very popular in healthy cuisine due to their multiple nutritional properties. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, high-quality protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and iron. Thanks to their ability to absorb liquids and form a gel, they are ideal for preparing desserts, smoothies, puddings, and for naturally thickening sauces.
In different Hispanic American countries, chia seeds are also known as "chia" (without an accent) or simply "chia seeds". In some regions, they are called "salvia" or, less frequently, "miracle seeds", referring to their health benefits.
Due to their versatility and nutritional value, chia seeds are an essential ingredient for healthy recipes, suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, and for those looking to increase their intake of fiber and essential fatty acids.