History of Chia

The seeds of the salvia hispanica plant, better known as chia have been used as a foodstuff, energy booster, and medicine as far back as 4 millennia, and reached its zenith during the times of the ancient Aztecs and Mayans. At the peak of its popularity in the ancient world, chia seeds were consumed as far north as the Southwestern United States, wher they were popular with Native Americans. Chia was used not just as one of the main sources of sustenance for the population, but also as fuel for some of these ancient armies. Aztec warriors would go on 24 hour marches through the harshest terrain, fortified only by a handful of chia seeds. Before going into actual battle or any action involving long distance running, they would consume chia seeds with water to take advantage of their hydrating and stamina boosting effects. Chia seeds were so prized by these ancient civilizations that they even used them as currency. It was also used to pay taxes to their rulers, and tribute to their religious leaders. Chia seeds also figured heavily in religious ceremonies, and the Aztecs regularly offered them up to their gods. Ironically, it was this kind of reverential treatment of chia that would lead to its sudden decline.

One of the main aims of Spanish colonization was the spread of Christianity. Thus, when they landed in South America during the 16th century, they sought to wipe out any local religions that would compete with the Christian faith. Local customs and traditions were banned, with any violators being dealt with swiftly and harshly. Because of this edict, local crops, which were often healthier, hardier, and better suited to the native environment, were no longer cultivated. To replace them, the Spaniards insisted on planting corn, barley, and wheat, which were less nutritious and more prone to crop failure. As a result, the natives suffered from malnutrition, which, coupled with the destruction of their parent society and loss of their most sacred traditions, effectively destroyed these civilizations. Now, archaeologists, historians, and scientists all agree that the pre-colonial diets of the native population, which consisted of functional foods such as chia, maca, and quinoa, were packed with much more nutrition than before the invaders arrived.

 For the longest time, the only remembrance of the importance that chia used to play in the region was the name of a region in Mexico: Chiapas, which meant ‘river of chia’. Fortunately, a team from the University of Arizona, searching for alternative crops in South America, stumbled upon and rediscovered the chia seed in 1991. The astounding amounts of nutrition packed in the plant surprised scientists and herbalists all over the world, fueling a surge in demand and triggering  a new golden age for chia. It is now commercially grown in across the world, in countries such as Australia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Bolivia, and Argentina. Chia has found popularity as a weight loss food for dieters, a training aid for athletes, and as a natural means for diabetics to regulate their blood sugar levels. And since it’s low in sodium and gluten free, any person on even the most restricted diet can enjoy its health benefits.

Hidalgo Foods specializes in supplying our customers with these lost superfoods of the past. As part of our mission to promote healthier lifestyles through healthier food options, Hidalgo Foods supplies high quality chia seeds, available in both black and white varieties.