Mountain Chia (Salvia tiliaefolia) seeds

Mountain Chia (Salvia tiliaefolia) AKA Tarahumara chia, AKA Rarámuri chia

Warm Season (Tender) Annual 

Full Sun for seed production, otherwise will also grow in shade

Produces chia seed for consumption (see below)

Leaves can be made into tea (see below)

Great in ground and in containers

Chia are in the same genus as sage (Salvia), and are famous for their super nutritious seeds as well as the novelty "Chia Pet."

Why Mountain Chia is different

-- Not day length sensitive (or much less so), has been grown as far North as Pennsylvania

-- Somewhat smaller seeds

-- Mountain Chia leaves can be used as a tea and flavoring

-- More attractive (in our opinion) foliage

Nearly all commercially available chia seed comes from the species Salvia hispanica, which is super easy to grow and can tolerate some super poor and dry soils. However, this species is what is referred to as day length sensitive, meaning that will not flower until after Fall equinox, triggered by the nights becoming longer than the days. What this means is that by the time it starts to flower in a temperature climate, the more and more likely frost will destroy the seeds before they are ripe. Even in Tennessee when we have late Fall frosts, they have never made seeds. 

What is being sold here is "mountain chia" -- a different species. Mountain chia is not day length sensitive (or much less so.) It regularly makes seeds here in Tennessee -- although I will say "just barely." It still takes its time to flower, so probably not good to grow for seed in shorter summer climates -- UNLESS you are growing it just for the leaves. 

SUPERFOOD: Chia seeds high in many minerals and vitamins, as well as healthy Omega 3 fats, but if this wasn't enough they truly shine in an extraordinary way -- their soluble fiber content. Simply soak chia in water to get the "gel" and add to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or just drink it for a super hydrating and super healthful snack. 

Chia seeds are a staple in our family. It was one of the first foods our son would ask for even before he started talking, and enjoys it almost daily ever since. At one point when he was an infant, we had to say "no" to him about it as he was consuming what we thought was too much chia!  

The Edible Leaves and Tea

Unlike anything I have heard or read about regular chia, mountain chia leaves are edible, typically used as a tea. The tea has an unpleasant, super leafy green smell (like nettles but even more so) and this is what I taste when I just eat a leaf off the plant. However, the tea has a very nice TASTE, sort of like a mild and pleasant sage-like or juniper-like flavor that I could see being used in a kombucha or water kefir or even beer. 

Permaculture Uses:

This plant grows like a weed, and is tolerant of some super poor soils and conditions. It can reseed in areas with seasons long enough for the seeds to set.

-- Great weed suppressing, fast growing, annual ground cover plant

-- Feeds lates pollinators

-- Pest confuser

-- Edible and Medicinal Uses

-- Great for filling in gaps of your perennials in your food forest