Chia is the seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant. The Aztec and Mayan cultures already used it as food since 3,500 B.C. by the Aztec and Mayan cultures, where it was a very important food due to the amount of benefits and properties it possesses. It was even used as an offering to the gods. And nowadays, it has regained the fame it had in its day. Therefore, today we want to know more about the history and origin of this fabulous seed, chia, from its origins to the present day.
Where does it begin? Origin of Chia
As we have already mentioned, Chia is the seed of the Salvia Hispanica plant. The name Salvia comes from Latin, derived from Salveo, which means to save or heal. This already gives us an idea of the medicinal properties of the plants belonging to this family.
And specifically, the Salvia Hispanica, was already known since 3,500 BC. Since then it was already used as food; and also in the popular medicine of the time. This plant is native to the mountainous areas of western and central Mexico and northern Guatemala.
Originally, chia was harvested from the Salvia Hispanica plant in the wild. Cultures such as the Aztecs and the Maya were already benefiting from its consumption. It was one of their most important foods, due to its high vitamin content and its properties. There is even a legend that tells that chia was also known as the plant of the travelers. Aztec explorers and warriors used to go out into the jungle only with this food. And it was enough for them to spend days and days exploring new areas, without the need to eat other foods.
From its collection in the wild to the beginning of its cultivation
However, this plant began to be domesticated by the Tlaxcaltec and Otomi tribes, who arrived in the region together with the Spanish conquistadors (whom they had joined to free themselves from the yoke of the Mexica Empire). Then, thanks to these two tribes, Salvia Hispanica became a domesticated crop and, therefore, began to be planted as food. Thus, its production increased enormously.
In the work Historia general de las cosas de Nueva España, written by Fray Bernardino de Sahagún, the importance of the chia seed in pre-Columbian culture is detailed. He also explains its production, commercialization and uses that were given to the seed.
History of chia origin after the discovery of America
Some years later, chia, which was a main crop, was replaced by cereals brought by the Spaniards. It survived only in the most isolated mountainous areas of Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador.
However, in the 1990s, a project was initiated to replant chia in northwestern Argentina. And it had great results, achieving more than 1,600Kg per planted hectare.
This new project to give new visibility to chia was so successful that they began to export it, especially to the United States. Where it began to gain more and more fame. Until it became recognized all over the world. In 2011, Bolivia started a similar project and began exporting it to different areas around the world.
The popularity of this healthy seed continues to grow.
More and more people are concerned about maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. The concern for maintaining an adequate diet full of nutrients and vitamins makes us popularize some ingredients such as chia, known as superfoods.
That is why the fame of chia seeds are increasingly on the rise. Even in 2016 a special day was created to commemorate this food. Chia Day is celebrated every March 23rd. Which favors that it has more and more followers.
Did you know that Chia seeds, for years, were used as currency in Mayan civilizations? It was also a perfect offering to the Gods.
And you, did you know the origin and history of Chia? Remember to leave us your comments, ideas, opinions… We love to read you!
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