[Tangalor]

I recently bought 2 1 pound bags of chia seeds for 10 bucks (friggin HELLUVA deal, since they're 18.95 a pound at the local health food store!!) and have put about 2 table spoons in a bottle of water. GEL! Tasteless, odorless, great sounding BOB food companion, since 1 pound is energy for possibly MONTHS! Here're a few things about this awesome seed:


Super-Energizing Power...For Greater Endurance and “Go Power”! Due to its unique blend of Protein, Essential Fats, Fiber, Complex Carbohydrates, and Antioxidants, chia is unrivalled among seeds and grains for providing energy to your body.

Improves Cardiovascular Health...super high levels of heart-healthy EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids)...chia’s oil contains the highest-known percentage of omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, a whopping 62%–64%!

Stabilizes Blood Sugar...Reduces blood sugar swings...and supports conditions of hypoglycemia and diabetes.

Reduces Cravings for Sweets and Junk Foods—high soluble fiber content releases natural, unrefined carbohydrate energy slowly into the bloodstream.

Improves Mental Focus and Concentration. Chia’s balanced essential fatty acids can signficantly boost your brain power...and brighten your mood.

High-Quality Protein—Chia contains 20% or more protein...a higher percentage protein than found in other grains, such as wheat, corn, rice, or oats.

Builds Lean Muscle Mass...Plus it’s useful for weight loss and weight maintenance. Chia is suitable for all lifestyles and dietary regimens, including low-carb diets and vegetarian diets.

Gluten-Free. Unlike grain-source proteins, chia seed protein contains no gluten. You can eat chia without worrying about gluten if you are sensitive to it…or about developing gluten sensitivity. Chia is an ideal food for individuals with gluten sensitivity, carbohydrate intolerance, hypoglycemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or anyone who wants to avoid common gluten-containing grains like corn, barley, and wheat.

An Ideal Food for nearly everyone, including individuals with food allergies, food sensitivities, or food and chemical hypersensitivity. One study found no evidence of allergic response to chia, even in individuals with peanut and tree nut allergies.

Super-Hydration and Electrolyte Balance. Chia’s soluble fiber (hydrophilic colloids) massively retains water...keeps you well-hydrated and maintains your electrolyte balance.

Supports Healthy Elimination and Detoxification—healthy oils and fiber contribute to greater regularity and comfort...beneficial effects not to be underestimated!

Uniquely Balanced. Chia offers an amazingly balanced ratios of macronutrients...better balanced than most grains, seeds, and many other foods.

Tasty, Fresh, and “Ready-To-Eat”!! Whether you eat the seeds right from the container, grind them, roast them, bake them, or drop them into your drinks or smoothies, these fresh seeds add texture and mix well with anything, even drinking water.

Wiki: Salvia hispanica - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Salvia hispanica (Chia) is a plant of the genus Salvia in the family Lamiaceae native to Mexico. It was cultivated by the Aztecs in pre-Columbian times, and was so valued that it was given as an annual tribute by the people to the rulers. It is still widely used in Mexico and South America, with the seeds ground for nutritious drinks and as a food source.[1]

Chia is grown commercially for its seed, a food that is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the seeds yield 25-30% extractable oil, mostly α-linolenic acid (ALA). It also is a source of antioxidants and a variety of amino acids.[1] For all these health related benefits, chia is in the process of application before the EU authorities to be considered as a novel food.

Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega-3 supplement. Grinding chia seeds produces a meal called pinole, which can be made into porridge or cakes. Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. 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 sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes. Chia sprouts are sometimes grown on porous clay figurines which has led to the popular U.S. cultural icon of the Chia Pet.

I put some in my crab tank (they eat greens in the wild, but I have had no success getting any kind of seed to sprout, until now) and they've taken off, and the crabs have been munching :P

Chia seeds can be started in a tray of soil, a soilless growing medium or even on a paper towel. About one to two tablespoons of Chia seed will be enough for a five inch square tray.

First, moisten your growing medium and spread seeds out evenly over the top. Keep seeds moist by misting them every day or two. You can cover them if you like and keep them in a low-light area until they germinate, which can take up to two weeks. Once the hulls have fallen off, move the seedling into the light.

As soon as your seedlings are big enough to transplant, you can put them in a pot or directly into the soil. Chia plants grow best in well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Soil should be dry to moist but not wet.

The plants need full sun to grow best and are hardy to zone nine. They are not frost tolerant. Small flower clusters form in July or August which are purple or white with a spike on the end of each stem.

This annual herb grows up to three feet tall with leaves that are two or three inches long and up to two inches wide. Chia seeds are grown commercially in several countries including Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Guatemala and Mexico.

Aztec warriors were said to use Chia as a high energy 'supplement' on their conquest. The Indians of the south west would eat as little as a teaspoon full when going on a 24hr. forced march.

:P Good times!

[Mac]

you've seen my haircut/style... I can probably use some of that!

[stairman]

Sounds like some pretty good seeds.

[vthompson]

Sounds good, but until your post, I had never heard of them.

[Unswydd]

Are these the Chia Pet like seeds????? If so this is great news.
Thanks for the info!

[Tangalor]

Yes, same seeds. :P sprouts are great from these, too! :P

[scorch]

Sounds like a good food to stockpile.

[Tangalor]

Indeed! a 1lb bag of this stuff is actually quite huge. A seed, once put in water, takes up 9 TIMES its own weight in water, which is a fantastic thing for staying hydrated.

It really does turn into a gel once you put a tablespoon of seeds in one litre of water :P it feels like, erm.. lol.. snot, going down, but it is tasteless, so its cool... I've already weathered that particular storm, and its not too bad, actually... but the best part about this stuff is that you can mix it with all sorts of liquids to thicken it up, and never taste or feel a difference

[Tangalor]

Here's where I bought it, cheapest I found at the time... the price has gone up about 2 bucks since about 2 weeks ago, but still a great price, and cheapest around, still...

Amazon.com: Chia Seeds 2 Pounds Chemical Free Salvia Hispanica: Health & Personal Care

[Celticwarrior]

So, if we put them in the BoB, which head do we take? The Scooby-Doo or the Homer Simpson?