Salvia hispanica, also known as chia, is a flowering plant that is native to Mexico and Guatemala. The plant is harvested for its seeds, which is hailed as a nutrient rich food source and has become a commonly seen additive at cafes across Australia. The seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins such as riboflavin and folate as well as dietary minerals calcium, iron and zinc.

Adding chia seeds to your diet is as simple as adding it as a topping to your morning cereal or yoghurt, added or blended with a smoothie. If you’ve gone completely chia crazy you can get creative with near-limitless options. Add chia seeds to homemade cookies, oat bars, jams, pudding and banana bread and poppy seed loaf. Chia seeds can also add a healthy spin to savoury dishes such as chicken nuggets, pizza bases, tortilla wraps and sticky chia brown rice with fried egg.