Ancient Superfood

CHIAN

Chian (now known as Chia) was one of the most important crops of the Mexicas before the Invasion of the Europeans. Its other three predecessor crops were corn, beans and amaranth. Unfortunately, amaranth (huahtli) and chian were not so fortunate to be cultivated at large mass internationally like corn and beans, and were almost completely destroyed.

There are recorded documentations in the original teoamoxtleh (sacred books or codices) that chian was used as medicine, food, currency, varnish for paintings and for its mega content of energy.

Chian was known as the ‘running food" for providing high energy endurance and was the only food eaten by Anahuakah messengers on long rushed trips who arrived at their destinations with still excess energy. Chian was also one of the main offerings for ceremonies.

In the last few decades chian has been reintroduced commercially worldwide by nutritionists and athletes who are wondered by its nutritional and energy given value. There are still some parts in Jailisco, Morelos and Puebla, Mexico that cultivate Chian for personal or commercial use. Still the power of this food has been kept a secret to too many.

Chian is superior to other plant and marine sources of Omega 3, low in sodium, high in protein, lipids, fiber and antioxidants. Research shows Chian to be a super food and still not completely known for all its health benefits.

Chian as a daily part of our diet can help with diabetes, high blood cholesterol (heart diseases), overweight, fatigue, lack of nutrition or depression.

Chian was and can still be prepared in different ways and added to almost everything.
A spoonful of Chian per 16 oz. glass of water can be mixed, allowed to sit from 15 min. to overnight. The chian will almost instantly begin to form as a gel. Flavor can be added such as lemon, orange, and/or agave nectar (agua miel). You can drink it or add it as a gel to pudding, yogurt, salad dressing, jello , salsa, and fruit.

Chian can also just be eaten as raw seeds, popped straight in to your mouth or added to salads, or anything. Chian can be toasted then grinded in a metate, molcajete, or Molino to pinol flour). You can add this pinol to soups, beans or mix with water to drink as a refreshment. Flavor can be added.