Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam (Printable version)
Naturally sweetened berry spread thickened with nutrient-rich chia seeds
# Ingredient List:
→ Fruit Base
01 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
→ Sweetener
02 - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, adjusted to taste
→ Thickener
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Flavor Enhancers
04 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - Place berries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, for approximately 5 minutes until berries soften and release their natural juices.
02 - Mash berries using a fork or potato masher until reaching preferred consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
03 - Stir in maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
04 - Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will thicken as chia seeds absorb the released liquids.
05 - Taste the mixture and add additional sweetener if needed to achieve desired sweetness level.
06 - Transfer jam to a clean jar, allow to cool completely, then seal and refrigerate. Store for up to 1 week.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- No canning equipment required and ready in fifteen minutes
- You control exactly how sweet it gets
- Those chia seeds bring omega 3s to your morning toast
02 -
- This jam needs refrigeration and will keep for about one week
- The texture continues to develop overnight, so do not judge it right away
- Using honey makes it non vegan, so stick with maple syrup for plant based eaters
03 -
- Make a double batch and freeze half in small jars for later
- Mix berries at different stages of ripeness for more complex flavor