chia

noun

ˈchē-ə 

plural chia

1

: an annual herb (Salvia hispanica) of the mint family that is native to Mexico and Guatemala, has spikes of blue, purple, or white flowers, and is grown for its grayish, edible, mucilaginous seeds which are eaten whole or used especially to make a beverage or oil

… to develop, test and grow new cultivars of chia that are able to produce seed in the cooler climate of the Upper South and Midwest, with the potential to increase production of this crop with a traceable domestic supply.

—Susan Smith-Durisek

also : any of several related salvias (especially Salvia columbariae) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico

2

or chia seed : the seed of a chia

When mixed with water, the fiber in chia forms a gel that lowers cholesterol and keeps blood sugar stable.

—Jane E. Brody

Chia seeds are tiny and have a very mild taste, making them easy to add to all kinds of foods to boost nutrition.

—Megan Murphy

Examples of chia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The best choices for you and the planet Another important omega-3, alpha-linolenic acid or ALA, is found in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, flaxseeds and chia seeds — with ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil providing the highest amounts, according to Harvard Medical School’s website. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Dec. 2024

Another of Durham’s favorite tricks is incorporating chia seeds, flaxseeds, or hemp seeds into the dough—all are rich in protein and fiber. —Angela Haupt, TIME, 25 Nov. 2024

Aim to incorporate foods like fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and vegetable oils into your meals for balanced nutrition. —Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 23 Nov. 2024

Rounding out the ingredient list are oats, millet, and amaranth; sesame, flax, and chia seeds; honey, coconut sugar, and olive oil. —Kate Kassin, Bon Appétit, 6 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish chía, from Nahuatl chía, chian, from Maya chiháan "strong, strengthening"

First Known Use

1832, in the meaning defined at sense 1