Chia Pets are American styled terracotta figurines used to sprout chia, where the chia sprouts grow within a couple of weeks to resemble the animal's fur or hair.

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.

The name Chia Pet was first used on September 8, 1977. The first Chia Pet wasn't actually a companion animal, but a man. Chia Guy was created on September 8, 1977. The first nationally-marketed Chia Pet was the ram, marketed and distributed in 1982.

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

Chia provides a similar amount of omega-3 fatty acids as ground flaxseed in the form of alpha linolenic acid, or ALA. They can help with weight loss. Chia seeds are an excellent source of fiber, which can improve heart health, reduce cholesterol levels and promote intestinal health.

The seeds produce a mucilaginous gel when soaked in water. Chia is a desert plant requiring little irrigation and grows well in sandy loam soils, but it is sensitive to frost and day length . The plant resists insect pests and disease and is a good candidate for organic production.

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.

However, the species grown on the chia Pet is Salvia hispanica . The Chia was a major food for the aztecs and Indians. They roasted the seeds, mixed them with water and eaten them as gruel or ground into baking. The Aztecs also used Chia for Oil face painting and as ointment and emoilent.

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.

The “Ch-Ch-Ch-Chia!” jingle is known across generations, and more than 25 million Chia Pets have been sold to date. Chia Pets are even in the Smithsonian! Learn more about the history of this unique, American icon below.

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.

Chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water, helping to keep you hydrated throughout the day.

• Hydration. Photo by Unsplash.
• Rich in Fiber. Photo by Unsplash.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids. Photo by Unsplash.
• Antioxidants. Photo by Unsplash.
• Bone Health.
• Weight Management.
• Blood Sugar Control.
• Improved Digestion.

The seeds are not the only important part of the chia plant; the sprouts also are edible. Try adding them to salads, sandwiches and other dishes.

Things You Should Know Spread the seeds evenly onto the pet's grooves and wait 2 days to fill the pet with water. Place your Chia Pet in a sunny spot and check the water level daily as the seeds sprout and grow. If you spot mold, scrub the pet clean and start over.

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• Best Chia Seeds for Smoothies: Terrasoul Superfoods Chia Seeds.

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