What Kind of Seeds Come in a Chia Pet?

Classification

• Chia seeds come from the herbaceous plant Salvia hispanica, which is a close relative of sage. Like other members of the of the mint family, chia plants are low growing, with square stems and small composite flowers. The plant's Latin name literally means "Iberian sage," which is actually a misnomer since the plant is endemic to Central America. Chia's common English name derives from the Nahuatl word "chian," meaning oily, and refers to this sage-relative's unusually high-fat seeds.

Aesthetic Function

• The chia plant is ideal for use in Chia Pets and similar home decor products, because it sprouts quickly as a short, bushy plant. This is visually appealing because it creates an illusion of fur or wool on the terra-cotta "pet." Chia seeds also create a gelatinous goo when soaked in water, so they cling to the terra-cotta planter more effectively than most other small seeds. For this reason, chia is ideal for use in decorative planters.

Edibility

• The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve Chia Pets as edible food products. Joseph Enterprises has not attempted to have the planters licensed or sold as a food source. However, chia seeds have been safely consumed for thousands of years within their native habitat. Due to the plant's high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, similar to those found in flaxseed, some manufacturers market chia as a health food or nutritional supplement.

Alternatives to Chia

• Although chia seeds are ideal for use in Chia Pets, several herbaceous plants can offer a similar aesthetic function. Basil seeds form a gel similar to chia seeds, so they can cling to a Chia Pet easily. Grass seeds may also act as a viable alternative, as can sage, catnip and other mint-family herbs. Joseph Enterprises recommends against the use of thyme, marjoram or oregano in Chia Pets, since these herbs take longer to grow than chia seeds.