By the Salem Statesman-Journal
While usually limited to smoothies and salad dressings, chia seeds have started showing up in unwelcome places this week.
Beachgoers reported large, commercial-size bags of the seeds north of Nye Beach in Newport on Tuesday morning, according to the Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department.
Later the same day, visitors to a beach north of Florence reported a large piece of a metal shipping container had washed ashore. Two additional bags of chia seeds were found nearby.
“The bags were too heavy to move by hand. We had to cut them up to remove them, or use equipment to haul them out,” ranger Jason Hennessey said of the debris.
Chia seeds are promoted as a “superfood” for being a good source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber. The seeds naturally plump up and turn slimy when added to a liquid, which likely complicates the cleanup.
Officials say at least four bags have found their way ashore and are asking beach visitors to report any additional bags, as well as other beach debris, by emailing the find to beach.debris@oregon.gov. Visitors are cautioned from trying to move large debris by themselves for safety reasons.
