Chia seed jam is a healthy and delicious alternative to store-bought jam. It’s easy to make and uses fresh ingredients. If you think making homemade jam is difficult, think again. Say hello to this all natural, lip smackin’ good chia seed jam. It’s rich, sweet, and has the perfect gel-like consistency. And if you’re a chia pudding or chia seed water lover, you definitely need this in your life!
Is chia seed jam healthy?
If you’ve ever read the label on a jar of store-bought jam, the sugar content may catch you by surprise. Store-bought jams are often made with high fructose corn syrup, along with standard corn syrup and run-of-the-mill sugar and pectin to thicken it up.
Homemade chia seed jam is the opposite of store-bought jam. It’s filled with nutrient-dense and fibre-rich chia seeds (which naturally thicken it up) and the only added sweetener is a smidge of pure maple syrup (or honey if you prefer). But if your fruits are sweet enough already, you won’t even need this additional sugar.
Chia seed jam ingredients
All you need for this recipe are 4 simple ingredients:
- Fresh Fruit: You can use any fruit you like. Blackberries, strawberries, blueberries and raspberries work best, or use a combination of your choice.
- Chia Seeds: Just 2 tablespoons of whole chia seeds. Black or white chia seeds can be used interchangeably, the only difference is their colour.
- Choice of Sweetener: Pure maple syrup or honey.
- Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
How to make chia seed jam
You can make chia seed jam in three easy steps:
- Prepare the fruit: Start with 450g (about 1 pound) of washed, fresh fruit, you could also use frozen if preferred. For larger fruits like strawberries or apricots, just slice them down into smaller pieces. But, for smaller ones like blackberries, blueberries or raspberries, no slicing is necessary.
- Create the fruit jam base: Place the fruit in a saucepan over a medium heat with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup and lemon juice. Use a spoon to give everything a good stir. This will help break down the fruit as it simmers. Then, turn off the heat and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes. If you like your jam moderately smooth, use a potato masher to break up some of the larger pieces. And for a smoother texture, use a hand blender.
- Add the chia seeds: Lastly, add the chia seeds and stir until everything is combined. Since some fruits release more liquid than others, you may have to add more or less chia seeds to get the consistency you prefer. Then transfer the jam to a sealed jar or container and similar to making chia seed pudding, your jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
How long does chia seed jam last?
Chia seed jam will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Recipes to try chia seed jam with
- Dollop chia seed jam onto a sweet breakfast omelette.
- Spread chia seed jam on quinoa and chia seed bread.
More chia seed recipes to try
Raspberry chia seed jam
Ingredients
- 450 g fresh blackberries
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the blackberries, maple syrup and lemon juice in a large saucepan over a medium heat. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the fruit has broken down. Use a potato masher or stick blender to achieve your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chia seeds and transfer to a glass jar, once cool, seal and refrigerate.
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