White Chia Seeds | Raw

Sold in 14 oz., 2 lb. and 4 lb. Options in Re-Sealable bags.

Ingredients: Raw Whole White Chia Seeds

Ingredient Country of Origin: Paraguay (dedicated farm/facility).

Introducing Gerbs Raw White Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are tiny, edible seeds from the mint family plant Salvia hispanica, native to Central America, including Mexico, Paraguay, and Guatemala, packed with omega-3s, fiber, protein, and antioxidants, known for absorbing liquid to form a gel, making them a popular “superfood” used to boost nutrition in yogurts, smoothies, puddings, and baked goods. They offer benefits for digestive, heart, and blood sugar health, acting as a complete protein and aiding in satiety.  Each season batches of Chia Seeds are carefully inspected by the passionate buyers at Gerbs Allergy Friendly Foods. Packaged in small batches by our specially trained staff, on our proprietary top 14 Food Allergen Free equipment by the Conte family, in a dedicated facility in Johnston, Rhode Island since 2003.

How Chia Seeds Are Grown and Harvested
Chia seeds are grown as annuals, planted directly in well-drained, sunny soil, requiring minimal water to establish, then thriving as drought-tolerant plants that grow 3-4 feet tall, producing white/purple flowers that yield tiny seeds in pods, harvested by drying and shaking the seed heads after about 120-180 days. They are easy to cultivate, support pollinators, and are great for organic farming due to their resilience.

Planting & Growing

• Sowing: Sprinkle seeds lightly onto prepared soil in fall or spring, barely covering them.
• Sun: Full sun is best for healthy growth.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial; avoid areas that stay wet.
• Watering: Water lightly until sprouts appear, then they become drought-tolerant.
• Spacing: Space plants about 30cm apart.
• Maturity: Plants grow into bushy, mint-family members (but don’t spread aggressively) and can reach 3-5 feet tall.

Key Characteristics:

• Origin: From the flowering plant Salvia hispanica.
• Appearance: Small, oval-shaped seeds, mottled White, brown, gray, or white.
• Texture: Develop a gel-like coating when soaked due to their soluble fiber.
• Flavor: Mild, nutty flavor.

Nutritional Powerhouse:

• Omega-3s: Excellent source of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids (ALA).
• Fiber: High in dietary fiber, aiding digestion and blood sugar control.
• Protein: A complete protein, containing all nine essential amino acids.
• Minerals: Rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
• Antioxidants: Contain antioxidants that fight free radicals.

Common Uses:

• Sprinkled on oatmeal, salads, yogurt, or cereal.
• Blended into smoothies and juices (chia water).
• Used to make chia pudding.
• Added to baked goods like muffins and pancakes.
• Can substitute for eggs in baking (1 tbsp seeds + 3 tbsp water = 1 egg).

Health Benefits:

• Heart Health: May help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
• Digestive Health: Fiber promotes regularity and gut health.
• Blood Sugar: Helps stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes.
• Satiety: Fiber and protein promote fullness, aiding weight management

How to Use Gerbs Raw Chia Seeds

You can use chia seeds by sprinkling them on yogurt, cereal, or salads; blending them into smoothies; or making chia pudding by soaking them in liquid like milk or water until gel-like, forming a healthy gel that thickens jams, dressings, and even acts as an egg replacer in baking. Always soak them or mix with liquid before eating, as consuming them dry can cause issues due to their rapid absorption of liquid.

Simple Uses (Sprinkled)

• On Food: Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons on yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, salads, or avocado toast for added fiber and protein.
• In Baking: Mix into pancake batter, muffins, or bread dough.
• Thickener: Add to soups or gravies for a natural thickening agent.

Soaked Uses (Gel-Like)

• Chia Pudding: Combine 2 tbsp seeds with 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy), shake well, let sit for 10 mins, shake again, then refrigerate for a few hours or overnight until thick. Add fruit, nuts, or sweetener.
• Chia Fresca (Hydrating Drink): Mix 1 tbsp seeds in a cup of water, let sit 15 mins, then add lemon juice.
• Smoothies: Blend soaked seeds into smoothies for a thicker texture and nutrient boost.
• Homemade Jam: Mix with mashed berries and a sweetener; seeds will thicken the mixture.

Vegan Egg Replacer

• Mix 1 tbsp whole or ground chia seeds with 3 tbsp water, let sit for 5 minutes until gelled; this equals one egg.

Key Tip: Hydrate First! 

• Because they absorb liquid rapidly, always soak chia seeds or mix them with moisture before consuming to prevent them from swelling in your esophagus and causing discomfort or blockages

Order now and Taste the Goodness of Gerbs!

Storage Recommendations

For the best flavor and freshness, we recommend storing your Gerbs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet, away from sunlight and heat sources like the oven.

Each time the container is opened, oxygen sneaks in and can speed up rancidity, so try to keep only about one pound of product accessible at a time.

While Gerbs can be frozen, we don’t recommend it. Freezing and thawing can change the natural cell structure, which may affect texture and taste. Keep them cool, dry, and sealed tight for the best experience!