Mixed Berry Chia Seed Jam

Written By Lara Wadsworth

This ultra-healthy take on jam makes a PB&J seem like a health food while still tasting delicious! The recipe can be used for almost any fruit, but has been tested the most with berries of all kinds. With just 4 ingredients, this adaptable recipe is quick and delicious! The chia seeds provide a jelly-like texture as well as vital omega-3s that can be hard to come by in some diets. The best part is that this recipe doesn’t require cooking and is totally adaptable! Use what you have and change it to fit your tastes.

Jam Ingredients:

• 4 cups - fresh fruit* (I used a mix of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries)
• ¼ cup - chia seeds
• ¼ cup - maple syrup or honey (adjust the amount to your tastes and the fruit you use)
• 2 tablespoons - citrus juice such as orange juice

Materials:

• Cleaned and sterilized containers - I was able to fill 4 small reusable glass jars with these proportions
• Large bowl
• Immersion blender
• Stirring Spoon

Instructions:

Step 1 - Thoroughly wash your fruit! Especially if you are using store-bought berries, soak them for 10 minutes in water mixed with a tablespoon of baking soda to get rid of any pesticide residue. Follow with a rinse of just water to rinse away the baking soda. Using your own home-grown berries is the best option but they should still be washed just in case. Stort through your fruit and cut off any stems, inedible parts, or bits going bad. This is a great way to use up fresh berries that are on their way out but the bad parts should definitely be left out.

Step 2 - Mash up the fruit. I prefer to use my immersion blender because it is so quick. However, a potato masher or just the back of a wooden spoon can work well in a pinch. Mash until you reach the consistency you desire!

Step 3 - Add all the other ingredients and stir vigorously. You may want to use a whisk or a fork to make sure that all the chia seeds are separated. Taste it to make sure the sweetness level is up to your standards and adjust if necessary. Let sit in the fridge at least overnight before consuming to allow the chia seeds to ‘jam’ up!

Storage

This easy and delicious jam should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. This mixture also freezes remarkably well! If you plan on freezing it right away, let it set up in the fridge overnight before transferring it to the freezer for longer-term storage. Be sure to leave a bit of space at the top of any container you use if you intend to freeze it. It will need space to expand in the freezer.

*This recipe can also be used with frozen berries. Simply defrost them before mashing and adding all the other ingredients. Depending on how much liquid they release you may desire to add a bit of extra chia seeds or drain off some of the liquid if they are very soupy.

If you try this recipe with other fruit that wasn’t mentioned, tag us @trueleafmarket on Instagram and Facebook! We would love to know what you made.

Author Bio

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!