Nutiva’s newest superfood is Organic Chia Seeds. An ancient food, the mighty chia seed was revered by the early Aztec and Inca cultures. Packed with fiber, protein, minerals, omega-3 and antioxidants, chia seeds are being rediscovered by healthy eaters everywhere. Below you’ll find a wealth of chia seed information, including great articles and recipes.
Despite 500% sales increase, leading organic chia seed brand shifts product mix to alleviate agricultural stress in South America
(Oxnard, Calif. – May 9, 2012) Nutiva®, the world’s leading brand of organic hemp foods, coconut oil, and chia seeds, announced today its response to the worldwide shortage of organic chia due to unexpected weather conditions in South America and increased mainstream market demand. Effective immediately, Nutiva will suspend all sales of its organic bulk 3lb and 10lb chia sizes until further notice, and will focus efforts on its 14 oz size—allowing for continued direct to consumer availability.
Organic chia, an ancient healing ingredient that is the plant world’s number-one source of omega-3, has more antioxidants than blueberries and is a good source of fiber, has seen a dramatic increase in popularity in recent months, spurred by the media’s megaphone touting its health benefits. In the past year alone, demand for Nutiva’s organic chia seed has increased five-fold, making the company America’s fastest-growing chia seed brand and the world’s leading certified-organic chia seed brand.
Said John W. Roulac, Nutiva founder and CEO, “When we added organic chia to our superfood family 18 months ago, I did a lot of educating on its benefits and how it’s consumed, and at the time only a very small market was interested. I don’t think anyone could have predicted the position we are in today. The bottom line is the nascent organic chia industry in South America is quite small, and struggling to meet demand. We have to react in real time to a global problem that’s effecting farmers while continuing to sell a product without sacrificing the integrity of its ingredients.” [click to continue…]
Nutiva CEO John W. Roulac just back from 10-day trip to Chia Fields in Peru and Paraguay. John gained numerous insights into the young and growing chia industry. He will blogging on his trip and making a major Chia announcement in the next week or two.
While it’s difficult to imagine life before supermarkets, fast food drive-thrus and 7-11s—humans really did once have a very different relationship with food.
At the time of the Spanish conquest (1492-1898), Mesoamerica had at least 29 domesticated botanical species serving a variety of functions, but four were nutritionally superior, comprising a majority of their daily diet: amaranth, beans, chia, and maize (corn). We’re all certainly familiar with beans and corn. Amaranth is a nutritious grain that is also easy to harvest. Though it’s not as common in the American diet, it is commonly used in cereals and baked goods. But what about chia?
Evidence of chia seeds use as early as 3500 BCE demonstrates its long reverence by humans. Today researchers are working to develop chia crops and conduct research on the many benefits of this ancient seed.
Chia (Salvia hispanica L) is a non-glutinous seed that provides a rich source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants and fiber. A staple to ancient Aztecs, these “super seeds” are making a strong comeback among modern day health enthusiasts and foodies.
A one ounce (28 g) serving of chia seeds contain 9 percent of the recommended daily value for protein, 13 percent of oil and 42 percent of the recommended daily intake of dietary fiber. Chia is a rich source of essential minerals including phosphorous and manganese as well as calcium and trace amounts of sodium and potassium. Chia seeds also contain healthy antioxidants, including caffeic and chlorogenic acids, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol. Chia seed is a rich source of Omega-3, and in fact has more Omega-3 than flax seed. Omega-3 fatty acids support brain and heart function, promote healthy skin and hair and may prevent and treat certain mild types of depression.
Organic chia seeds are widely available and recommended as non-organic chia may be compromised by the use of chemical fertilizers, which also devastates ground water and can be harmful to animal and plant life.
Suggested Chia Uses:
Versatile and easy to use, chia can be eaten dry, soaked in water as a gel, or added to baked goods.
Dry: Sprinkle chia seeds onto salads, soups, yogurt, even into sandwiches and wraps.
Baked goods: Use chia in recipes that call for sesame or poppy seeds. Add to muffins, bread, cookies and cakes.
Here is an excellent Chia Seed resource with fun examples on the many uses of Chia. If you are hesitant to give Chia Seeds a try, this article is full of all the information you need to make up your mind.
If you still need more convincing on why Chia Seeds are so amazing check out our “Why Organic Chia Seed?” video.
As many long-time EBF readers know, I LOVE chia seeds! My sister texted me a few nights ago asking for more info about them, which made me realize it was time for little refresher post on why I think chia seeds are so great. If you’re an avid blog reader, some of this info might be old news, but for everyone else here’s what you need to know about one of my favorite seeds – the ch-ch-ch-chia! <– I had to do it!
What are chia seeds?
“Chia is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica, a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. You may have seen chia sprouts growing on the novelty planters called Chia Pets, but historically, the seeds have been the most important part of the plant. In pre-Columbian times they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and were the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. I’ve read that one tablespoon was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs also used chia medicinally to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.” - Quoted from Dr.Weil
What do chia seeds taste like?
The flavor is very mild and almost non-existent. When they are combined with liquid they start to form a gel like consistency, so if you were to eat them plain the gelling process will start in your mouth. Although, I don’t often eat them plain, they’re better mixed in things like smoothies or oatmeal. [click to continue…]
Chia seeds have been a staple food for Mesoamericans for thousands of years. This very small, non-glutinous seed provides a rich source of essential Omega-3 fatty acids, protein, antioxidants, and fiber. This little seeds packs a punch with more omega fatty acids than flax seeds, 15 times more magnesium than broccoli, 6 times more calcium than whole milk, 30 percent more antioxidants than blueberries and twice as much potassium as bananas!
John W. Roulac, CEO of Nutiva, explains why organic chia seed is great for nutrition, portability, affordability. High in Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals and protein, chia seeds are an essential addition to a healthy diet.
COMING SOON! Nutiva is excited to announce the addition of 2 brand new varieties of Organic Chia Seeds. Stay tuned for more info.
Here is an excellent Chia Seed resource with fun examples on the many uses of Chia. If you are hesitant to give Chia Seeds a try, this article is full of all the information you need to make up your mind.
Chia Hemp Protein Drink
Spinach and Cheese Pasta (Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free)
Red Hot Fire cRAWkers
