chia seeds pack healthy punch into tiny pieces

Chia is only black or white," Coates says. "If there is brown -- it is not good and it can mean the seeds are immature."

CHIA The Complete Guide to the ULTIMATE SUPERFOOD" features 75 recipes utilizing chia seeds.

How to use raw chia seeds                    -- Sprinkle over yogurt, oatmeal and cereals.

-- Stir into drinks and smoothies. -- Toss in mixed greens, rice, pasta or potato salads.

-- Add to muffin and cookie recipes. - Make a pudding, stirring the seeds into almond milk (or other dairy, rice or coconut milk).

-- In a clean coffee grinder, grind the seeds into a coarse flour (often called milled chia) and use it in baked goods.

"It's certainly a trend that's been real hot," says Tedd Handelsman, owner of Better Health Store locations in Michigan.