How to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe
Introduction
Chia seed jam is a simple, healthy alternative to traditional jam that you can make in minutes using fresh berries and chia seeds. It’s naturally thickened without added pectin, making it a perfect spread for toast, yogurt, or oatmeal.
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, filtered 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 of the berries as you stir to encourage thickening.
- Step 2: Remove the pot 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 juice of half a lemon. Transfer the jam to a glass jar and refrigerate.
Tips & Variations
- Use any mix of fresh or frozen berries—strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries all work well.
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup based on your taste.
- For a smoother texture, lightly blend the berry mixture before adding chia seeds.
- If you prefer a thicker jam, increase chia seeds up to 4 tablespoons.
Storage
Store the chia seed jam in a sealed glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for 7 to 14 days. To serve, simply scoop what you need; the jam can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a teaspoon of water before use.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen berries work perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw them slightly before cooking to help release their juices.
Do chia seeds affect the flavor of the jam?
Chia seeds have a mild, nutty flavor that doesn’t overpower the fruit. They primarily add texture and help thicken the jam naturally.
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How to Make Chia Seed Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 1 to 1.5 cups of jam 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This fresh and healthy chia seed jam is a simple and natural way to enjoy homemade fruit preserves. Made with fresh berries, maple syrup, chia seeds, and lemon juice, it requires no added pectin and thickens naturally. Perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or adding to smoothies, this jam is quick to prepare and packed with antioxidants and fiber.
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)
Thickener and Flavor
- 2–3 tbsp Chia Seeds
- Juice of 1/2 Lemon
Instructions
- Cook the berries: Add the fresh berries, filtered water, and maple syrup to a nonstick saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally, mashing some berries gently to release their juices and naturally break them down.
- Add chia seeds: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the chia seeds until fully incorporated. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb liquid and thicken the jam.
- Finish and store: Stir in the juice of half a lemon to brighten the flavor. Transfer the jam to a clean glass jar, let cool completely, then store in the refrigerator. Use within 7-14 days for best freshness.
Notes
- Feel free to mix different types of berries for a unique flavor.
- Adjust the maple syrup amount based on the sweetness of your berries.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender before adding chia seeds.
- Chia seeds serve as a natural thickener eliminating the need for added pectin.
- Store in the refrigerator to keep fresh up to two weeks.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Jam
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chia seed jam, homemade jam, berry jam, vegan jam, healthy jam, no pectin jam, easy jam recipe
