Chia Aguas Frescas

Chia seeds come from the plant Salvia columbariae, or Desert Chia, which has discs of miniature blue flowers. A member of the mint family, chia is an herbaceous annual that grows in the desert from February through April. Its tiny grey seed is used as food or in drinks. A good source of calcium with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, the nutty-tasting seed and its mucilaginous properties were highly valued by indigenous people of the Southwest. Chia balances blood-sugar and provides sustained energy. Native peoples have often used the seed for energy when on long marches or to run.