Berry Chia Seed Jam (Printable Version)
A vibrant, naturally sweetened fruit spread made with mixed berries and chia seeds. Ready in 15 minutes with just four simple ingredients.
# What You Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
→ Sweetener
02 - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, to taste
→ Thickener
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Flavor
04 - 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
# How to Make It:
01 - Place berries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down and release juices, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Use fork or potato masher to mash berries to preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth.
03 - Stir in maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until well combined.
04 - Remove from heat and let mixture rest for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will thicken as chia seeds absorb liquid.
05 - Taste jam and add additional sweetener if needed to achieve desired sweetness level.
06 - Transfer jam to clean jar. Allow to cool completely before sealing with lid.
07 - Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week. Jam is not shelf-stable and must remain refrigerated.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- No pectin, no canning equipment, no three hour commitment on a hot summer day
- You control exactly how sweet it goes, and the chia give it this velvety texture store bought stuff never achieves
02 -
- This jam will never set as firm as commercial pectin based jams, and that is exactly what makes it perfect
- The consistency continues developing in the refrigerator, so do not panic if it seems loose right after cooking
03 -
- Always let the jam cool completely before judging the thickness, it tightens up considerably as it chills
- Maple syrup gives a slightly deeper flavor while honey lets the berry taste shine through more brightly