Description

Healthy homemade chia jam is a simple, nutritious alternative to traditional jams, made by cooking fresh or frozen fruits with chia seeds to create a naturally thickened, fiber-rich spread. This recipe offers variations using blueberries, raspberries, or apricots, enhanced with natural sweeteners and spices for a deliciously wholesome treat perfect for toast, yogurt, or oatmeal.

Ingredients

Blueberry Chia Jam:

2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp chia seeds
Optional: 1 Tbsp maple syrup
Optional: dash cinnamon

Raspberry Chia Jam:

2 cups raspberries, fresh or frozen
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp chia seeds
Optional: 1 Tbsp maple syrup
Optional: dash cinnamon

Apricot Chia Jam:

2 cups ripe apricots, chopped into small pieces (about 4 large apricots or 5 small)
1/4 cup water
2 Tbsp chia seeds (white ones recommended to maintain orange colour)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 Tbsp pure maple syrup

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the fruit base: In a small saucepan, combine the chosen fruit and water over medium heat. Use a fork to mash and stir the fruits continuously until they begin to break down and soften, approximately 5 minutes.
Add chia seeds and flavorings: Stir in the chia seeds along with any optional ingredients such as maple syrup, cinnamon, or vanilla extract. Continue mashing and cooking the mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing the seeds to absorb moisture and the flavors to meld.
Thicken the jam: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds swell and thicken the mixture to develop a jam-like consistency.
Store the jam: Spoon the finished chia jam into clean glass jars and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools, and is best enjoyed chilled within two weeks or frozen for longer storage.

Notes

Each recipe yields approximately 1.5 to 2 cups of jam.
Chia jam keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or it can be frozen for about 3 months for extended shelf life.
If the jam appears too watery after refrigeration, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds to reach your desired thickness, allowing it to sit again.
This chia jam is delicious spread on toast, stirred into yogurt or oatmeal, or served alongside cookies for a healthy treat.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Jam
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American