Organic Chia Seeds
This ancient seed forms one of the three foundational ingredients of Overnight Breakfast. Chia seeds have been a staple of the indigenous peoples of the Americas since 3,500 BC. The word ‘chia’ means strength in Mayan which is no surprise given its long history fueling warriors and athletes.
The Aztecs used chia as a primary energy source for warriors in battle and relay runners who had to run long distances to deliver messages over their vast empire. This tradition of using chia as an energy source still exists today (most famously explored in the book Born to Run) with the Tarahumara Indians of northwest Mexico.
Nutrient profile
Chia seeds are a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids that cannot be made by the human body alone. They contain the richest plant source of Omega-3 fatty acids. One ounce (28 grams) of chia contains 11 grams of fiber, 4 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat of which more than half is Omega-3 as well as healthy amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese and vitamins.
Organic black chia seeds from Paraguay
Paraguay sits at the heart of the largest chia seed producing region in the world. Around 80% of the world’s supply comes from Central and South America. Since chia seeds aren’t often grown in North America, finding a direct supplier for us in The United States was a challenge. Thankfully, we found an American partner that shares our values and set us up with a source directly from Paraguay.
We source our organic black chia seeds from a co-op of small farmers in the Capiibary, county of Paraguay.
Chia seed harvests are an important source of income for these local farmers who receive a stable price on the international market for this coveted superfood. These organic farmers follow the traditional organic farming best practices:
- Direct sowing with minimal tillage to protect the toil
- No use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides
- Cassava, beans, and sweet potatoes are used as cover crops in the off season to avoid bare soil and to keep soil nitrogen at healthy levels
- Rotating crops so vital nutrients can be rebuilt within the soil
We’re thrilled to have found a partner here in the United States that shares the same values as us around soil health, labor conditions and providing the highest quality product possible. We look forward to the day we can travel to Paraguay and meet these superfood farmers in person!
