Chía, the seed of the future in northwest Argentina

This seed became famous: favorite in several healthy recipes, chia, a small ancestral grain full of benefits, is being strongly reborn as a productive opportunity in northwest Argentina. Its timeshares and health benefits caused its domestic demand to increase greatly, which has caught the attention of farmers in the region. A team of specialists from the National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) in Salta investigates the agronomic management of chia, seeking to maximize its yield and adapt cultivation practices to the unique characteristics of the NOA. The word “chia” comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and means “strength,” which perfectly reflects the energetic and nutritional properties of these small seeds. Since pre-Columbian times, this grain was greatly appreciated not only for its nutritional benefits, but also for its use in religious ceremonies and as currency. Today, we don't use it to pay for things, but this powerful grain is highly valued for ...