Post by Trade facilitator on Mar 31, 2018 22:04:33 GMT 1
Chia seed is an edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia hispanica , nutritious, easy to prepare and a member of the mint family that grows abundantly in southern Mexico. Before the advent of the Columbian, they were a main component of the Aztec and Mayan diets and it formed the basic survival ration of Aztec warriors. It was noted that one tablespoon of chia seeds was believed to sustain an individual for 24 hours. The Aztecs recognized the medicinal benefits of chia, using it to stimulate saliva flow and to relieve joint pain and sore skin.
Chia seeds are very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, even more so than flax seeds. And chia has another advantage over flax: unlike flax, they do not have to be ground to make their nutrients available to the body. Here are some other chia seed nutrition facts: Chia seeds provide fiber (25 grams give you 6.9 grams of fiber) as well as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, , niacin, and zinc.
Tips on Growing Chia Seeds
Use Sprinkle Method
Select the Right Water
Keep Things Warm
Don't Presoak the Chia Seeds
Measure the Growth
Health Benefits Of chia seeds
Combat Diabetes
Adding some chia to your diet is an easy way to make sure you're getting a good amount of fibre, which is important for digestive health.
Stock Up On Omega-3
Chia seeds are packed with omega-3 fatty acids, these fats are important for brain health.
Stronger Teeth And Bones
A serving of chia seeds has 18 per cent of the recommended daily intake for calcium and manganese, which puts you well on your way to maintaining bone and oral health, and preventing osteoporosis.
Plenty Of Phosphorus
Phosphorus is also used by the body to synthesize protein for cell and tissue growth and repair.
Pack In The Protein
Chia seeds also make a great source of protein for vegetarians and don't have any cholesterol.
Fight Belly Fat
Chia's stabilizing effect on blood sugar also fights insulin resistance which can be tied to an increase in belly fat.
Get Full Faster
While tryptophan is responsible for that strong urge to nap, it also helps regulate appetite, sleep and improve mood.
Improve Heart
Chia seeds have been shown to improve blood pressure in diabetics, and may also increase healthy cholesterol while lowering total, LDL, and triglyceride cholesterol.
Where to Grow Chia
Before you choose where to plant chia seeds or transplant your seedlings, it helps to have a realistic expectation of the size of a mature chia plant. Chia plants grow to the size of a large bush or small tree. If you grow herbs in small pots or tucked tightly together in an outdoor herb garden, you'll need to find a new spot for chia. Chia grows taller than most herbs and takes up a lot of space, so give thought to where you'll grow it. Chia is not a ground-hugger like mint, and it will grow much taller than even the biggest parsley, sage, or rosemary plants. You need to provide sufficient space (and head room) for your chia to expand before it flowers. Organic chia plants grow as tall as an adult. Some reach six feet or more while others settle and flower at about five feet tall. If you intend to grow chia in a pot, it is important to anticipate the size of a mature chia plant when choosing the pot size.
Plant Protection System For Chia Cultivation
Keep your plants where there’s enough light for them to grow, and don’t forget to water them regularly. When adding mulch or compost, it is best to put it on top and let your plants feed on top of your soil. Moreover, make sure that the area where you’re growing chia seeds is weed-free. This is because chia’s don’t grow well with weeds.
Harvesting & Storage For Chia Cultivation
Begin harvesting your chia as soon as most of the petals have fallen off the flower. Give the heads time to dry in paper bags or on a drying rack. Expect at least some of the chia seeds will break free in the process. The easiest way to harvest chia is to pick it. Wait until most of the petals have fallen. If in doubt, check for seeds before harvesting your seed heads.
Chia seeds can be stored in a cold or dry chamber, in plastic, glass, or paper packages for a 12-month storage time, without damaging their physiological quality. Keep ground chia seeds (chia flour) in a glass or plastic storage container with a tight-fitting lid. The flour may be stored in a cool, dry place such as a pantry, or in the refrigerator. Chia is a rich seed that does not deteriorate and is storable for long periods without becoming rancid. Chia flour, like chia seeds, may be stored for months without going rancid.
