Description
This Chia Seed Jam recipe offers a healthier, homemade alternative to store-bought jams. It’s naturally sweetened, quick to make, and packed with fiber and omega-3s, using chia seeds as a natural thickener instead of pectin.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (300 g) fresh or frozen fruit (e.g., strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, peaches)
- 2 tablespoons (20 g) chia seeds
- 2–3 tablespoons (30–45 ml) maple syrup, honey, or agave (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the fruit: Wash and chop fresh fruit into small pieces. Frozen fruit can be used directly without thawing.
- Cook the fruit: Place fruit in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it softens and releases juices. Mash to your desired consistency using a potato masher or fork.
- Add sweetener and lemon juice: Stir in the maple syrup or honey and lemon juice. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
- Add chia seeds: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the chia seeds thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Let it thicken: Allow the jam to sit for 10–15 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb liquid and thicken the mixture.
- Adjust and store: If too thick, add a tablespoon of water or fruit juice. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate. The jam will continue to set as it chills.
Notes
- Use ripe, flavorful fruit for the best taste.
- Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your fruit.
- Allow at least 10 minutes for the jam to thicken after adding chia seeds.
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam after cooling.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: N/A