The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Science & Nature›Plant›Chia
Science & Nature • Plant

Chia

Chia is the common name for Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family grown mainly for its edible seeds.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Chia is the common name for Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family grown mainly for its edible seeds. Native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, it was an important crop in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica and is now cultivated in several countries for food use.

Taxonomy and naming

Chia is the common name for Salvia hispanica, a species in the genus Salvia within the mint family. The term is also sometimes used more broadly for related chia-producing species.

Description and cultivation

Chia is an annual flowering plant grown primarily for its seeds. It is cultivated as a food crop in parts of the Americas and in other countries with suitable growing conditions.

Historical use

The plant was an important crop for pre-Columbian Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures. Its seeds were traditionally used as a food source.

Nutritional and food use

Chia seeds are widely used in modern food products and are known for their high fibre and omega-3 fatty acid content. They are marketed as a pseudocereal and used in both household and commercial food preparation.

Key facts

  • Chia usually refers to Salvia hispanica, though the name can also apply to related species.
  • It is a flowering plant in the mint family.
  • The plant is cultivated for its small edible seeds.
  • Chia seeds are valued for their fibre and omega-3 fatty acid content.
  • The plant was historically important in Mesoamerican agriculture.

Frequently asked questions

What is chia?
Chia is Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant in the mint family grown mainly for its edible seeds.
Where is chia native to?
It is native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala.
What is chia grown for?
It is grown primarily for its edible seeds, which are used as food.
Is chia a grain?
No. It is a pseudocereal, meaning it is used like a grain but is not a true cereal.
Why are chia seeds popular?
They are popular because they are rich in fibre and omega-3 fatty acids and are used in many foods.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia_hispanica
    Supports: Common name chia, scientific name Salvia hispanica, mint family, native range, pseudocereal, edible seeds
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/chia
    Supports: Species identity, family, native range, historical Mesoamerican use, commercial cultivation, nutritional value
  3. GBIF — https://www.gbif.org/species/144100194
    Supports: Taxonomy, native range, annual herb description, commercial seed use, oil and omega-3 content
  4. ScienceDirect — https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/salvia-hispanica
    Supports: Salvia hispanica as a species in Lamiaceae and common name chia
  5. Annals of Botany — https://academic.oup.com/aob/article/134/5/725/7724762?login=false
    Supports: Annual herbaceous plant, mint family, origin in Central and Southern Mexico and Guatemala, seed popularity