Black Chia
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What it is
Black chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica L. plant, native to Mexico and Guatemala. They are tiny, oval-shaped seeds, typically black or dark brown, and are harvested from the plant's flowering stalks. The seeds are consumed whole or ground.
Why it's used
Chia seeds are often added to foods for their nutritional content, particularly fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They can also act as a thickener or emulsifier due to their ability to absorb liquid and form a gel. You can find them in baked goods, yogurt, smoothies, and energy bars.
Health notes
Black chia seeds are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a food ingredient. They are a good source of fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. International bodies like EFSA have evaluated chia seeds, and JECFA has evaluated chia seed oil. Typical consumption levels are not associated with adverse health effects.
Allergen info
Chia seeds are not one of the nine major allergens recognized by the FDA. They do not contain gluten.