Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia

Chia (Salvia Hispanica)
Origin: Chia seeds have been used for hundreds of years in drinks and food, and were popularized by Aztec cultures in South America. The seeds were so prized that they were even used as currency in some civilizations. The word chia comes from the Aztec word chian, meaning oily. Today, the plant is still used in traditional recipes, but has been popularized by the Chia Pet. This novelty ceramic planter created in the late 1970’s uses the chia sprouts to simulate an animal’s fur or a person’s hair.
Nutrition: Chia plants are capable of growing up to 1 meter tall and are typically capped by a small purple flower. While the plant itself does not yield any form of nutritious output, they are still grown commercially for their seeds. The seeds are teeming with omega-3 fatty acids and can be extracted for vitamin rich oils.
Interesting Fact: The first chia pet was in the shape of a ram, but to date, more than 100 varieties have been created. The newest of the bunch, is much-loved Chia Obama.