At Nutiva we grind fresh, whole chia seeds to make them more convenient for you to use. These tiny but mighty seeds are packed with vital nutrition that can enhance many recipes. If you've only heard of chia seeds from those chia pets that are sold on late-night TV, you're in for a surprise when you learn that these small, crunchy, gluten-free seeds are a rich source of protein, beneficial antioxidants, essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. A traditional South American crop, chia seed (Latin name Salvia hispanica L.) has been used for thousands of years. In fact, archeological evidence indicates that humans have been using chia as early as 3500 BCE! Making a comeback in healthy diets, these super seeds are an excellent source of essential minerals such as phosphorous, manganese, calcium, sodium and potassium.