Origin:
Chia seeds are native to Mexico and Guatemala, and they were a staple food for the ancient Aztecs. The word "chia" comes from the ancient Mayan word "chian," meaning "strength."
Cultural Significance:
While not as commonly used in Bengali cuisine as they are in the West, chia seeds have recently gained popularity in Bangladesh due to their nutritional value and versatility. They are often included in smoothies, yogurt, and other health-conscious dishes.
Pronunciation:
* Chia: Pronounced "chee-ah"
* Bīj: Pronounced "bee-j" (similar to the English "bee", but with a shorter "ee" sound)
So the complete pronunciation of Chia seeds in Bengali would be "chee-ah bee-j".