Difference Between Black and White Chia Seeds

The main difference between black and white chia seeds is that black chia seeds provide a contrast color to food whereas white chia seeds blend with food and are less visible in light-colored food. Other than this, there is no any significant nutritional difference between the two types of chia seeds.

Black and white chia seeds are the two types of chia seeds. They are used as a staple food, same as the corn and beans. Both chia seeds are rich in dietary fiber, proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids. The taste of the two types of chia seeds in food is also the same.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Black Chia Seeds
     – Definition, Facts, Importance
2. What are White Chia Seeds
     – Definition, Facts, Importance
3. What are the Similarities Between Black and White Chia Seeds
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Black and White Chia Seeds
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Aesthetic Preferences, Black Chia Seeds, Dishes, Nutritional Value, White Chia Seeds 

What are Black Chia Seeds

Black chia seeds are the edible seeds are oval and gray-colored with black spots. Both black and the white chia seeds are produced by the salvia hispanica, a flowering plant of the mint family native to Central America and Southern Mexico. Black chia seeds give a contrasting color to the dishes. 

Figure 1: Close up of Black and White Chia Seeds

Nutritional profile of chia seeds (per one ounce or 28 grams)

Chia seeds contain essential fatty acids such as alpha-linolenic and linoleic acid, vitamins A, B, D, and E, and minerals such as iron, sulfur, iodine, magnesium, niacin, and thiamine as well. Also, they are rich in antioxidants.

Health Benefits of Chia seeds

1. Promote healthy skin
2. Support the heart and the digestive system
3. Promote the health of bones and muscles
4. Reduce aging
5. Help to reverse diabetes
6. Boost energy and metabolism
7. Promote dental health
8. Prevent breast and cervical cancer

What are White Chia Seeds

White chia seeds are the white colored chia seeds that are used in light colored dishes. As an example, vanilla, coconut, and banana chia puddings can be prepared with white chia seeds. Some other superfoods made with chia seeds are blueberry-oatmeal chia seed muffins, mango-turmeric chia pudding, chia seed energy bites or snack, drinks such as chia fresca, and diabetes-friendly chocolate chia smoothie. White chia seeds are also used to extract oils. 

Figure 2: Chis Seed Pudding – Closeup

However, brown chia seeds are bad to consume as they are the immature form of the chia seeds.

Similarities Between Black and White Chia Seeds

• Black and white chia seeds are edible seeds of the salvia hispanica plant, originally grown in Mexico.
• The diameter of chia seeds is about 1 mm.
• They are used as a staple food.
• Both are easy to prepare and digest.
• Both have medicinal properties and a high nutritional value.
• They are rich in fiber, proteins, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.

Difference Between Black and White Chia Seeds

Definition

Black Chia Seeds: Edible seeds that are oval and gray-colored with black spots

White Chia Seeds: White colored chia seeds that are used in the light colored dishes

Color

Black Chia Seeds: Gary color with black spots

White Chia Seeds: White

Significance

Black Chia Seeds: Added to light colored dishes; used to extract oil

White Chia Seeds: Add a contrast to a dish

Yields

Black Chia Seeds: Gives 5-8% white seeds when only black seeds are cultivated

White Chia Seeds: Only gives white chia when white chia seeds are cultivated

Conclusion

Black chia seeds add a contrast to dishes while white chia seeds can be used in light-colored dishes. In addition, there is no difference in the taste or the nutritional value of black and white chia seeds. Therefore, the main difference between black and white chi seeds is the aesthetic preferences.

Reference:

1. Axe, Josh. “9 Chia Seeds Benefits, Chia Side Effects Chia Seeds Recipes.” Dr. Axe, 12 Sept. 2017, Available Here

Image Courtesy:

1. “Seed of chia (Salvia hispanica)Salvia hispanica group” By Keegan Fields – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Chia Seed Pudding” By ParentingPatch – Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia