Chia Sage

Chia seeds are tiny black seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which is related to the Sage Family. The Chia leaves are high in protein and nutrients, and are therefore a valuable addition to your salad or stir fry. The leaves can also be used fresh or dried to make an antioxidant tea. The Chia plant is mostly grown for its seeds but you would need to grow a lot of plants. The Chia plant can be grown from Chia Seeds from the supermarket and are one of the easiest seeds to grow Chia Sprouts. The Chia plant with purple flowers produces black seeds and the one with white flowers produces white seeds. Both have the same nutritional value. 

WHERE TO GET CHIA SAGE
You can buy Chia Seeds from the Supermarket.  Chia is an annual. The Perennial Salvia hispanica is only ornamental. Not all chia seeds you buy in the stores will produce viable crops. Some have been imported and irradiated, some are very old and have lost their viability through age and poor seed storage.
The Chia Company grows Chia in the Kimberly Region of Western Australia. It is known for using Non-GMO Salvia hispanica Chia Sage and using sustainable farming methods.The Chia Company sells Black and White Chia.
The same plant can have white flowers and produce white seeds or purple flowers and produce black seeds. Keep this in mind when deciding which chia seeds you want to plant.
​Nutritionally, there is no difference between them. The Chia Company only suggests you watch out for the brown seeds.  A brown colour is a sign of immaturity. Brown chia seeds either lack sufficient sunlight and water to mature properly, or they’ve been hit by a climatic event, such as frost on the crop. 

CAN CHIA GROW IN PERTH?
Chia doesn’t like frost - but our climate from September through to March is plenty warm enough. Chia needs a long season to produce seed, however, the leaves can be harvested at any time.

PLANTING GUIDE
Choose a spot that receives full sun and has good drainage. Full sun is very important. The plant grows best near the equator where the days are longer, and yet they are considered desert plants so, just like many sage plants, ensure that the soil has good drainage. Prepare the soil as you would for other plants, breaking it up and adding plenty of organic matter. Don’t be shy about adding the extra nutrients when preparing the soil. Once the plants are established you won’t need to add fertilizer. 

WHEN AND HOW TO PLANT SEEDS 
If planting seeds directly into the soil or pot, plant in early September. It will take about 3-14 days to germinate. The plant should flower about 3-4 months after planting the seed. Then allow another month before harvesting the seeds. Scatter the tiny seeds over the surface of the soil and then rake the earth over them carefully. The seeds do not need to be placed very deep in the soil. Water them lightly and daily until the plants are growing strongly. Gradually thin out the seedlings until you have approx. 12-18 inches between plants. Chia does not like to be crowded. 
Chia can be grown in a large pot approx. 12 to 18 inches in diameter. Chia can grow up to 1.5m. 

WATERING
Once the plants are established Chia doesn't need to be kept moist at all times, but they certainly need a drink at least every few days. When their leaves start to droop a little, water them. Mature chia plants can tolerate some dry periods. 
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HARVESTING SEEDS
Chia seeds are easy to harvest from slightly dried flower heads. As the pretty purple or white flowers of the chia stalk start to dry, they will lose their petals. This is the ideal time to harvest. Don't wait until the flower browns, as this will compromise the harvest. You can harvest the leaves for salads and stir fry at any time. Cut the stalk from the plant and layer it onto a drying rack. Alternatively, you can store your stalks in a paper or cotton bag so that it dries fully. What’s considered an amount of “fully dry” time will depend on the climate. Once they are fully dried, they can be crushed and separated.

GROWING CHIA SPROUTS (MICROGREENS)

​​The easiest method is to sprinkle seeds into a container and give the seeds a light spray. 
Place the bowl in a warm low lit area. Once the seeds sprout (only a few days) place bowl in a sunny position. You can harvest the sprouts in just 7-10 days. Chia microgreens can be used in salads, sandwiches or used as a garnish. 

If you add too much water the seeds will turn into a gelatinous mass as shown on the left, so be careful just to dampen the seeds and not soak them.

CHIA PETS

​Chia is fast growing and is used to make CHIA PETS, an  American styled terracotta figurine used to sprout chia, where the chia sprouts grow within a couple of weeks to resemble the animal's fur or hair.

​CHIA USES

• Chia tea, made with a few, freshly chopped or dried leaves, for anyone feeling lethargic or lacking energy. Chia contains several very strong antioxidants that help to remove toxins from the body, which then give a feeling of improved health.
• Eat chia leaves in salad or use as a spinach alternative. 
• Add fresh leaves and seeds to smoothies.
• Use Chia seeds as an egg replacement in things like pancakes and meatballs. To substitute 1 egg, soak 1 tablespoon (15 grams) of chia seeds in 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water.
• Make Chia Water (a high fibre drink) by soaking only 10 grams of seed in water for about 20 minutes. You can add some lemon or lime for extra flavour. Or replace the water with freshly squeezed orange juice. 
• Chia Pudding. Make with water, juice or milk and you can add vanilla or cocoa. Just add extra seeds to create a pudding texture. Blending the pudding will give a smoother texture. Chia pudding can be used as a dessert or served like oats for breakfast. Just top with nuts, fruit or cinnamon. 
• Use chia seeds to replace breadcrumb coatings on meat or fish. Blend the seeds into a fine powder and use like breadcrumbs.
• Make Chia Jam. Chia seeds thicken the jam without needing sugar. Usually the fruit is enough to sweeten the jam unless you use a tart fruit, then you only need a teaspoon of sweetener. You can also use Chia seeds to thicken any jam.

INGREDIENTS
2 cups of fruit - fresh or frozen
2 Tablespoons of chia seeds

METHOD

• Heat fruit over a medium heat until it starts to break down. Mash with a spoon or potato masher until it reaches the desired consistency. No harm in leaving a few chunks instead of having a completely smooth jam.
• Add the chia seeds and stir until fully combined. Remove from heat. The jam will begin to thicken very quickly as it cools. 
• After just 5 minutes you have a jam. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate. The jam will last about 1 week. 
• Replace flour with chia seeds to thicken soups and stews.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

Chia Seeds Deliver a Massive Amount of Nutrients With Very Few Calories. In fact, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.”

About 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of chia seeds contains:
- Fibre: 11 grams.
- Protein: 4 grams.
- Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are omega-3s).
- Calcium: 18% of the RDI.
- Manganese: 30% of the RDI.
- Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
- Phosphorus: 27% of the RDI.
- They also contain a decent amount of zinc, vitamin B3 (niacin), potassium, vitamin B1 (thiamine) and vitamin B2.

Benefits of Chia:

• Chia Seeds Are Loaded With Antioxidants
• Almost all the Carbs in them are Fiber
• Chia Seeds Are High in Quality Protein
• The High Fiber and Protein Content in Chia Seeds May Help You Lose Weight
• Chia Seeds Are High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• Chia Seeds May Lower Your Risk of Heart Disease
• They’re High in Many Important Bone Nutrients
• Chia Seeds May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
• They May Reduce Chronic Inflammation
• Chia Seeds Are Easy to Incorporate Into Your Diet (you can add seeds to anything)