The Chia Pet was marketed and popularized by Joseph Pedott. Pedott first learned about "something called the Chia Pet" being imported from Oaxaca, Mexico when he attended a housewares show in Chicago in 1977. Negotiating the rights from importer Walter Houston, Pedott began marketing Chia Pets in the US.

When you think about it, a chia pet is a figurine made out of terra cotta clay (the same as most flower pots) and is covered with chia seeds that you sprout into hair or fur.

Joseph Pedott, entrepreneur who made Chia Pets and the Clapper household names, dead at 91. CHICAGO (CBS) -- You may not recognize the Chicago native's name, but chances are you know the work of Joseph Pedott.

Joseph Pedott Joseph Pedott, man behind the ch-ch-ch Chia Pet, dies at 91 Joseph Pedott, the advertising executive who popularized the Chia Pet, died June 22 at age 91.

CHIA PET SEEDS ARE EDIBLE (BUT YOU STILL SHOULDN'T EAT THEM). Chia seeds aren't just for growing - they're also for eating. In recent years, health buffs have anointed the small, crunchy seeds as a new “super food,” as they're packed with omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, protein, and fiber.

And your favorite painter Bob Ross Chia fantastic just spread the seeds water. And watch it grow.

Yes, They're the Same Seeds from Chia Pets By 1982, the first commercially available Chia Pet was sold using the infamous time lapse ad campaigns. Blame Spanish Conquistadores for obscuring the health benefits of chia seeds.

Central America Its origin is believed to be in Central America where the seed was a staple in the ancient Aztec diet. The seeds of a related plant, Salvia columbariae (golden chia), were used primarily by Native Americans in the southwestern United States. Chia seeds have gained attention as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acid.

The Chia Co The Chia Co The Chia Co. is the world's biggest producer of chia seeds.

The Chia Pet was "invented" and marketed in 1977 by Joseph Enterprises, Inc., a California-based manufacturer of future novelty goods such as The Clapper (which turns lights off with a clap of the hands) and the VCR Co-Pilot (which helps people program their VCRs).

The fun never stops with Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia Pets! Recommended for ages 6+.

Chia seeds may be small, but they're incredibly rich in nutrients. A staple in the ancient Aztec and Maya diets, these seeds have been touted for their health benefits for centuries. The nutrients in chia seeds may promote heart health, support strong bones, and improve blood sugar management ( 1 ).

First marketed in the early '80s in iconic TV commercials, these quirky, grow-it-yourself terra cotta planters remain as popular as ever, with dozens of different styles available. The “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!” jingle is known across generations, and more than 25 million Chia Pets have been sold to date.

Chia Pets, terracotta figurines that sprout chia seeds like hair, have stayed popular since their widespread launch back in 1981. That's largely thanks to the marketing acumen of the man behind their success, Joseph Pedott.

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