Start-up sees seeds flourishing

Chia seeds were used as a medicine by the Aztecs. Now, Chia Bia, an Irish start-up, imports them from South America and sells them both at home and in Britain. Chia Bia’s founder claims they’re a superfood, writes Trish Dromey

Eaten by the Aztecs but forgotten about for hundreds of years, chia seeds have now been brought to Ireland by a small start-up company in Waterford, which goes by the name of Chia Bia.

Grown mostly in South America close to the equator, chia seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 and have been popular in the US for over 10 years. Demand for them has grown since health-conscious consumers became interested in foodstuffs providing minerals, vitamins, and Omega-3 fatty acids. This trend has led to the rediscovery of seeds, including the chia seed, which was used as a medicine by the Aztecs, according to Chia Bia co-founder Ray Owens.