Quick & Easy Chia Seed Jam

Looking for a way to enjoy the sweet, tangy taste of jam without all the added sugar and preservatives? Our quick and easy chia seed jam is the perfect solution. Not only is it super simple to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients!

Making your own jam at home is a sustainable and mindful choice, as it helps reduce food waste by using up ripe or leftover berries you might otherwise toss. Plus, by making this jam from scratch, you can avoid unnecessary packaging, supporting a more eco friendly lifestyle. With its natural sweetness and health boosting chia seeds, this jam is a simple, wholesome way to embrace the principles of slow living - mindfully using what you have, reducing waste, and nourishing your body with real, unprocessed foods.

Whether you're spreading it on crumpets, adding it to your morning oats, or drizzling it over pancakes, this chia seed jam is a versatile and healthy addition to your pantry.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries or a mix)
• 2 tablespoons chia seeds
• 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (adjust depending on how sweet you like it)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a little zing)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavour)

Method:

1. Cook the Berries: In a small saucepan, add your berries over medium heat. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash the berries as they cook, breaking them down into a jam like consistency. This should take around 5-7 minutes.

2. Sweeten & Add Flavour: Once the berries have broken down and started to simmer, add your maple syrup (or honey), as well as the lemon juice, and vanilla extract (if using). Stir well and let the mixture cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

3. Thicken with Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid, and the jam will start to thicken. If the jam is too thick, you can add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency.

4. Cool & Set: Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool for about 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first. Once it’s cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a jar or container with a lid and store it in the fridge.

Tips:

• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the jam before storing it, and add more sweetener if needed. You can even adjust the tartness with a bit more lemon juice or sweetener to suit your taste.

• Try Different Berries: Feel free to mix and match berries. Strawberries and raspberries are classics, but blueberries, blackberries, or even mixed berry blends work great too!

• Storage: The jam will last about 1-2 weeks in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing individual portions for later use! Since we aren't adding sugar (like a traditional jam) there is no natural or added presevatives. So while it looks like jam and tastes like jam, it is not a shelf stable product. 

Why Chia Seed Jam?

Not only is chia seed jam quick and easy to make, but it’s also a healthier alternative to traditional jam. Chia seeds are high in fibre, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants, so they add a nutritional boost to your breakfast or snacks. Plus, because there’s no added sugar (unless you choose to sweeten it), it’s a much cleaner option than store-bought jams, which are often loaded with preservatives and sugar.

This chia seed jam is a perfect way to reduce food waste as well—if you have leftover berries in your fridge or freezer, this is a great way to use them up! And since it's so quick to make, it’s a great last-minute option when you're craving something sweet but want to keep things healthy.

Unlike traditional jams, you also don't need a huge amount of berries to make it ‘worth it.’ This recipe is super simple, meaning you can make a small batch with just a handful of berries, so it’s perfect for using up leftovers without wasting produce.