Rainforest Foods Chia Seeds

Chia (Salvia hispania L) is a herb that flourishes in South America. Its seed has been part of local diets for centuries. Indeed, Chia is believed to have been a staple food of the Aztecs, who regarded it as an aid to mental acuity, physical endurance and wellbeing. It remains in common use in southern Mexico and Guatemala. Chia seed provides abundant Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, in an optimum ratio. It also provides protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Chia’s profile of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids is presented in what we now know to be an ideal ratio. There are many modern foods that contain Omega oils, but many of these give them in a ratio skewed in favour of Omega-6. Chia’s vitamin content is significant, too. It contains Vitamin A, Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2 , Vitamin B3, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin E. Chia’s mineral provision includes Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc. 9% of Chia’s volume is high-quality protein. Chia is a versatile food, neutral in flavour. It can be added to a variety of cooked or raw dishes and helps dieters feel full, as it takes on water once ingested.

Production
Rainforest Foods raw Chia is grown on farms in South America. The growing season is five months long, during which time the full nutritional value of the seeds can develop. Chia is harvested by machine, and the seeds cleaned carefully to remove any stalk material. They are then packed for transport.

Organic Certification
Rainforest Foods Chia seed is certified by the Soil Association, one of a handful of organic certification bodies in the UK. These are regulated in their turn by DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs). The role of the Soil Association is to ensure that all foods sold as organic are definably so. It does this by auditing every stage of the supply chain, through growth, export and processing. Soil Association certification – indicated by the Soil Association logo and the EU organic leaf symbol on our packaging – is a guarantee that our customers are purchasing an organic product. All organically-certified products must also carry a certification code on their packaging. For UK companies such as Rainforest Foods this has the format GB-ORG-XX, XX indicating the certifying body. If this is not present, a product is not organic. The Soil Association code on our products is GB-ORG-05.

Benefits of Chia Seeds

                    - 100% organic Chia Seeds
                    - certified products
                    - suitable for vegans