Desert chia

Salvia columbariae

nuts & seeds

Small gray seeds that swell into a gel in water, roasted and ground into flour or drunk as a beverage, like chia.

Origin

California and the American Southwest

Where to find it

On dry slopes and burned areas in California, from the Mojave to Arizona; it is now sown in native-plant gardens.

Season (United States)

May to July

Preparation

The seeds are also eaten unground: a tablespoon soaks for ten minutes in a glass of water, which sets into a gel.

Molecules

MucilagesIn small amounts, not counted Magnesium · Insoluble fibers · Protein

Did you know?

California's peoples carried a handful to walk for a whole day.