What Family Are Chia Seeds In? The Surprising Botanical Origin

November 21, 2025 •

3 min read

Native to Central and Southern Mexico, chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) were a staple of ancient Aztec and Mayan diets, used for energy and sustenance. But beyond their impressive nutritional prowess, many are unaware of their botanical heritage. So, what family are chia seeds in, and what other plants are they related to?

Quick Summary

Chia seeds come from the flowering plant Salvia hispanica, which is a member of the mint family, known scientifically as Lamiaceae.

Key Points

Mint Family Member: Chia seeds come from the Salvia hispanica plant, a member of the Lamiaceae or mint family.
Botanical Name: The scientific name for the plant that produces chia seeds is Salvia hispanica.
Diverse Relatives: Other popular herbs in the same family as chia seeds include basil, rosemary, thyme, and lavender.
Omega-3 Powerhouse: Chia seeds contain a very high percentage of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Gel-Forming Property: When soaked in liquid, chia seeds form a distinctive gel due to their mucilaginous coating, a feature that makes them excellent for thickening foods.
Gluten-Free Seed: Chia seeds are naturally gluten-free and can be a beneficial dietary addition for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

The Mint Family Revealed: Lamiaceae

Chia seeds are sourced from the plant Salvia hispanica, a flowering plant that belongs to the mint family, also known by its botanical name Lamiaceae. This may come as a surprise to many, as chia seeds themselves do not carry a distinctively 'minty' taste. The Lamiaceae family is vast and contains over 7,000 species, with many well-known members being aromatic herbs prized for their culinary and medicinal properties. Members of this family, including the chia plant, often feature characteristic square-shaped stems and produce essential oils in their foliage when crushed. While chia seeds are valued for their health benefits, other relatives in the mint family are celebrated for their strong scents and flavors.

Other Notable Members of the Mint Family

The Lamiaceae family is a diverse group of plants, many of which are household staples. Chia seeds are in good company with these other culinary and aromatic cousins:

Basil (Ocimum basilicum): A common ingredient in Italian cuisine.
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus): A woody perennial herb with fragrant, evergreen leaves.
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris): A fragrant herb used in cooking, also from the Salvia genus.
Lavender (Lavandula): Famous for its soothing aroma and use in aromatherapy.
Oregano (Origanum vulgare): A pungent, aromatic herb used in Mediterranean dishes.
Sage (Salvia officinalis): A savory herb from the same genus as chia.
Catnip (Nepeta cataria): Loved by felines, this plant also belongs to the mint family.

Chia Seed's Place in the Salvia Genus

Within the Lamiaceae family, chia seeds belong to the genus Salvia. The Salvia genus is the largest in the mint family, comprising approximately 900 different species. The edible seeds from Salvia hispanica are what we commonly refer to as chia, but the seeds of other related Salvia species, such as Salvia columbariae (golden chia), were also used historically. This botanical context highlights chia seeds' ancient roots, with cultivation tracing back thousands of years in regions like Mexico and Guatemala.

Nutritional Attributes of a Mint Family Member

Beyond their unique botanical background, chia seeds are revered as a 'superfood' due to their dense nutritional profile. They are especially rich in omega-3 fatty acids, dietary fiber, and a high concentration of antioxidants. These properties offer numerous health benefits, such as supporting heart health and aiding digestion.

Chia Seeds vs. Flax Seeds: A Nutritional Comparison

Chia and flax seeds are often compared for their similar nutritional profiles, though they come from different botanical families. While chia is in the mint family (Lamiaceae), flax seeds come from the flax plant (Linum usitatissimum), a member of the Linaceae family.


Feature	Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica)	Flax Seeds (Linum usitatissimum)
Botanical Family	Lamiaceae (Mint family)	Linaceae (Flax family)
ALA Omega-3 Content	Approx. 60% of total fat content	Approx. 56% of total fat content
Fiber Content	9.8 grams per ounce	7.7 grams per ounce (comparable)
Soaking Properties	Forms a gelatinous mucilage when soaked	Develops a similar gel-like coating when soaked
Gluten Status	Naturally gluten-free	Naturally gluten-free
Origin	Central and Southern Mexico	Originated from ancient civilizations

Conclusion: The Super Seed with a Minty Cousin

In summary, the next time you enjoy a sprinkle of chia seeds on your food, you can appreciate that you are consuming a member of the diverse and fragrant mint family, Lamiaceae. The Salvia hispanica plant, responsible for these edible seeds, is a close relative of many common herbs found in kitchen gardens around the world. While lacking the minty flavor of its more famous cousins, chia seeds have carved out their own impressive reputation as a nutritionally dense and functional food. This botanical connection not only adds an interesting factoid to their story but also highlights the surprising relationships within the plant kingdom, placing the Aztec superfood squarely within one of botany's most well-known families.

To learn more about the broader nutritional profile and history of chia seeds, consult the comprehensive overview on ScienceDirect detailing their use and benefits: Chia Seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): An Overview.

Frequently Asked Questions

The botanical name for the chia seed plant is Salvia hispanica.

Yes, chia seeds are related to basil. Both plants belong to the Lamiaceae, or mint family, and share a close botanical connection.

In addition to chia, the Lamiaceae family includes many well-known herbs such as mint, basil, rosemary, thyme, lavender, and sage.

No, despite being in the mint family, chia seeds do not taste like mint. They have a mild, nutty flavor, but their relatives are known for their aromatic qualities.

Yes, black and white chia seeds both come from the Salvia hispanica plant, which is in the mint family. The color variation is similar to different varieties of other fruits and vegetables.

Chia seeds are considered a 'pseudocereal,' similar to quinoa and amaranth. They are not part of the grass family that produces traditional grains like wheat or rice, but are cultivated for their edible seeds.

Chia plants are relatively easy to grow. They prefer well-drained soil and ample sunlight and are commonly grown in warmer, tropical, or subtropical climates.