Chia Seed Jam: A Healthy and Delicious Spread

Making your own jam doesn’t have to be complicated! This Chia Seed Jam recipe is a simple, healthy alternative to traditional jams, packed with fresh fruit, natural sweetness, and the added benefits of chia seeds. Unlike regular jams that require lots of sugar and pectin, this jam uses chia seeds to naturally thicken the mixture while adding a boost of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. It’s the perfect spread for toast, yogurt, or even a topping for desserts.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh berries of choice (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, or a mix)
• ¼ cup filtered water
• 1 tbsp maple syrup (adjust to taste for sweetness)
• 2–3 tbsp chia seeds
• Juice of ½ lemon

Directions:

1. Cook the Berries:

• In a nonstick saucepan, combine 3 cups of fresh berries, ¼ cup filtered water, and 1 tbsp maple syrup.
• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally and gently mash the berries with the back of a spoon as they soften. This will help break them down into a jam-like consistency.

2. Thicken the Jam:

• Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in 2-3 tbsp chia seeds, depending on how thick you want the jam to be. Mix well until the chia seeds are evenly distributed.
• Let the jam sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to thicken the mixture naturally. You’ll notice the jam becoming more gel-like as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.

3. Add Lemon Juice:

• Once the jam has thickened, stir in the juice of ½ lemon. The lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the berries.

4. Store and Serve:

• Transfer the chia seed jam to a clean glass jar and allow it to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
• The jam can be stored in the fridge for 7-14 days and is ready to use on toast, as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or even as a healthy dessert sauce.

Recipe Tips:

• Berry Options: You can use any type of fresh berries for this recipe, or even mix a few varieties. Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all work beautifully.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If your berries are particularly sweet, you may not need as much maple syrup. Taste the jam as it simmers and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Chia Seeds: The chia seeds help thicken the jam naturally without the need for pectin. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the jam after adding the chia seeds.

Recipe Information:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Calories: 25 kcal per serving
• Servings: 16 (1 tablespoon servings)

This Chia Seed Jam is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy fresh fruit. It’s quick to make and much healthier than store-bought jams, thanks to its low sugar content and the natural thickening power of chia seeds. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, adding it to smoothies, or using it as a dessert topping, this jam is sure to become a staple in your kitchen! Enjoy the fresh, fruity flavor while knowing you’re making a wholesome choice.

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