How to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe
Introduction
Chia seed jam is a quick and nutritious alternative to traditional jams, made with fresh berries and natural sweeteners. It’s easy to prepare, requires no added pectin, and offers a delightful spread full of antioxidants and omega-3s.
Ingredients
- 3 cups fresh berries of choice*
- ¼ cup filtered water
- 1 tbsp maple syrup*
- 2-3 tbsp chia seeds*
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the berries, water, and maple syrup to a nonstick saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Mash some berries gently as you stir to help break them up.
- Step 2: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds until well combined. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
- Step 3: Stir in the lemon juice, then transfer the jam to a glass jar. Use as desired and refrigerate for 7-14 days.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or using honey instead.
- Try different berries like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries for unique flavors.
- For a smoother texture, blend the berry mixture before adding chia seeds.
Storage
Store chia seed jam in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 7-14 days. To serve, bring to room temperature or stir well after refrigeration. Avoid freezing, as texture may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen berries work well; just thaw them before cooking and adjust cooking time slightly if needed.
How do chia seeds help jam thicken?
Chia seeds absorb liquid and swell, creating a gel-like consistency that naturally thickens the jam without added pectin.
PrintHow to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe
This simple and healthy chia seed jam recipe uses fresh berries cooked down and thickened with nutrient-packed chia seeds. Sweetened lightly with maple syrup and brightened with lemon juice, this jam is perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on yogurt, or mixing into oatmeal. The chia seeds provide natural thickening and add fiber, omega-3s, and protein, making it a wholesome alternative to traditional jams with added sugars and pectin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup of chia seed jam 1x
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Jam Base
- 3 cups Fresh Berries of choice (such as strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries)
- ¼ cup Filtered Water
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup (adjust to taste)
Jam Thickener
- 2–3 tbsp Chia Seeds
Flavor Enhancer
- Juice of ½ Lemon
Instructions
- Cook Berries: In a nonstick saucepan, combine the fresh berries, filtered water, and maple syrup. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. While stirring, use the back of a spoon to mash some of the berries to release their juices and help break them down naturally as they cook.
- Add Chia Seeds: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds thoroughly. Mix well to ensure the seeds are evenly distributed throughout the berry mixture. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken the jam.
- Finish and Store: Stir in the juice of half a lemon to enhance flavor and add brightness. Transfer the jam into a clean glass jar with a lid. Use immediately or refrigerate. The jam will thicken further as it cools and can be stored in the refrigerator for 7 to 14 days.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness to your preference by adding more or less maple syrup.
- Experiment with different berry combinations for varying flavors and colors.
- Letting the jam sit in the refrigerator overnight can improve the texture and flavor melding.
- Chia seeds not only thicken the jam but also add fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Use within 2 weeks and keep refrigerated to ensure freshness.
Keywords: chia seed jam, homemade jam, healthy jam recipe, berry jam, vegan jam, no pectin jam, maple syrup jam
