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

This chia pudding provides nearly 7 g of protein and only 3 g of sugar at just 175 calories.2422 Optional: To add sweetness without added sugars, sprinkle in some cinnamon or add a touch of vanilla extract. 7. —Lauren O'Connor, Ms, Health, 2 Sep. 2024

Here are a few examples of nutritious meals that provide ample protein: Greek yogurt bowl: A 0.75-cup 2% plain Greek yogurt topped with 0.5 cup blueberries, 1 tablespoon (tbsp) chia seeds, 1 tbsp hemp seeds, 2 tbsp walnuts, and 1 teaspoon (tsp) maple syrup provides 25 g of protein. —Anthea Levi, Health, 12 Aug. 2024

When mixed with water, the chia seeds form a gel-like mixture. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Aug. 2024

Sample Meal Plan Options for a vegetarian keto breakfast include egg-and-vegetable scrambles or chia pudding with coconut milk. —Amy Brownstein, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 29 July 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

Phrases Containing chia

• chia seed