Summary
In this engaging episode of Stuff You Should Know, the hosts dive into the fascinating world of Chia Pets, a pop culture phenomenon that has captured the hearts and imaginations of people for decades. Drawing on information from Patty Rasmussen of howstuffworks.com and the team at mentalfloss, the discussion covers the intriguing history, production trends, and cultural significance of these iconic terracotta planters.
Chia Pets, for the uninitiated, are whimsical figurines crafted from terracotta and designed to grow chia sprouts that resemble the "hair" of various characters or animals. The man behind the success of Chia Pets is Joe Pedott, founder of Joseph Enterprises, who first encountered these unique planters at a Chicago trade show in the 1970s. Seeing their potential, he rebranded them as Chia Pets and turned them into a household name.
Originally produced in Oaxaca, Mexico, Chia Pets initially relied on minimal advertising, with sales primarily concentrated around the holiday season. The first Chia Pets to hit the market were the Chia Bull and Chia Ram, but the range quickly expanded to include various pop culture characters, thanks to licensing deals with entities like Looney Tunes.
Growing Chia Pets is quite simple: soak the terracotta planter for a few hours, then soak chia seeds and turn them into a paste to spread onto the planter. Place the Chia Pet in sunlight and water as needed, and watch the sprouts grow! The sprouts can even be regrown after about six weeks, making Chia Pets a fun and sustainable craft project.
Over the years, Chia Pets have achieved widespread recognition as a cultural staple. They can be found in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History's advertising tape collection and have even secured a place in a time capsule set to be unearthed in the year 3000. Clearly, Chia Pets have left an indelible mark on popular culture and will continue to bring joy to generations of enthusiasts for years to come.
