Mixed Berry Chia Jam
This berry chia jam is made with real fruit and is a healthy alternative to regular jam. It’s quick and easy to make, with only a few ingredients that can be found in any grocery store. When it all comes together you’ll have a fresh condiment to spread or swirl into your favorite snacks or meals!
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups mixed berries fresh or frozen (see notes)
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ½ Tablespoon pure maple syrup as needed
Instructions
- Heat fruit in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. The fruit should quickly begin to heat up and break down. Once the fruit starts to gently bubble (takes anywhere from 5-7 minutes), use a potato masher (or back of a spoon) and mash the fruit to desired consistency. *see notes
- Next, lower the heat, stir in the chia seeds, lemon zest, and lemon juice into the fruity liquid. Stir until well combined. Then taste and add sweetener if desired. If your fruit is sweet you may not need to add any sweetener at all.
- Remove from the heat and let cool, the jam will thicken considerably as it cools. Use right away or pour into an airtight container. Let cool completely before refrigerating.
Nutrition Facts
per 2 Tablespoons (recipe makes ~1 cup)
45 Calories, 1 gram fat, 1 gram protein, 9 gram total carbohydrate, 3 grams of fiber, 5 grams sugar, 1 mg sodium
Notes:
*I like to have my jam with a few small chunks, instead of completely smooth. Mash to the consistency you prefer
It may look a little runny at first, but I promise your chia jam will continue to thicken as it cools and even more when you refrigerate it. So don’t keep adding more chia seeds because otherwise it will become way too thick.
I only needed to add ½ Tablespoon maple syrup. Taste your jam and adjust the sweetener to your liking. You may not need any sweetener if your fruit is very sweet. You can also substitute honey or agave.
If you use fresh fruit you may have to add a splash of water to the pan to help them soften. Frozen fruits will release water on their own.
You can substitute any type of fruit that is juicy to make this chia jam. Options include blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, nectarines, pineapple, cherries, or mango.