I confess, I am a jam addicted person.
For many, many years (until I discovered oatmeal) my breakfast was bread, butter, jam and a glass of milk. Being conscious of the dangers of sugar I ended up looking for a healthy way to cook jam and after some research here we have the fruit & chia jam. Using the gelling power of these tiny little seeds, you can transform a few cups of ripe fruit into a naturally sweetened, delicious jam, in few minutes. As you see, chia is not only the secret ingredient to a healthy pudding, but also to healthy jam.
All we have to do is mash up, or blend some fruit, add maple syrup or honey and stir in a few tablespoons of chia seeds. Within a few hours, the chia seeds will absorb the fruit juices and thicken it to a jammy consistency and you’ll have this amazing chia jam ready for you to enjoy.
I make chia jam two ways cooked & not-cooked and below I’m gonna show you how to make strawberry chia jam in both ways.
The non-cooked version is easier, but tastes more like raw fruit and it should be consumed quickly since the fruits are raw and it can get spoiled.
The cooked version tastes almost the same as the traditional jam, and has a slightly lower life shelf.
I always use the ratio 1 cup fruit pure to 1 tbs of chia seeds, but you may add some more chia if you prefer a thicker consistency. I choose strawberry because they’re in season and because I love them, but you may prepare chia jams with other berries also like blackberries, blueberries and raspberries.
Chia strawberry jam
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 1 cup jam
Ingredients
Option1 - Uncooked chia strawberry jam
Ingredients
Makes 1 cup jam
- 1 & 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1-2 tbs honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Option 2 - Cooked chia strawberry jam
Ingredients
Makes 1 cup jam
- 1 & 1/2 cup strawberries
- 1 tbsp chia
- 1-2 tbs honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
Note: 1 cup – a standard cup of 240 ml
Instructions
Option 1 - Uncooked chia strawberry jam
Directions
I always use the ratio 1 cup fruit pure to 1 tbs of chia seeds, but you may add some more chia if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Blend all the ingredients together except chia.
- Add the chia seeds and mix well.
- Transfer it into a jar and let sit in the fridge overnight.
The next day you’ll have this super tasty, healthy jam that is ready to spread it on toast, spoon over your yoghurt or oatmeal bowl.
You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for a maximum of 3 days.
Option 2 - Cooked chia strawberry jam
Directions
I always use the ratio 1 cup fruit puree to 1 tbs of chia seeds, but you may add some more chia if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Chop the strawberries, add the lemon juice and honey or maple syrup and put in a medium saucepan over low heat.
- Cook until the strawberries become tender and juicy, around 5-10 min.
- Mash the fruit with the back of a spatula or a potato masher, leaving it as smooth or as lumpy as you like, or if you want a perfectly smooth jam blend it with an immersion blender.
- Add the chia seeds and mix well.
Transfer it into a jar and let sit overnight, and the next day you’ll have this super tasty, healthy jam that is ready to spread on toast, spoon over your yoghurt or oatmeal bowl.
You can keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for max 1 week.
Notes
Note: 1 cup – a standard cup of 240 ml
P.S. It makes a great edible gift for your loved ones.
Leave a Reply