Chia Berry Jam
This quick and healthy chia berry jam is a simple, naturally sweet alternative to store-bought spreads. It's perfect for spreading on toast or adding to your favorite breakfast dishes. Ready in 15 minutes!
Servings: 8
Calories: 32kcal
Equipment
- 1 pot
- 1 potato masher optional
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups fresh or frozen berries e.g., raspberries, blueberries or a mix 1 small punnet or 170g
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey adjust based on the sweetness of your berries - 15mls
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds 15g
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice optional, but adds a nice tang
- Optional Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
Instructions
- Cook the Berries: In a small saucepan, add the berries and cook over medium heat for about 5–10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the berries soften and start to break down. If you’re using frozen berries, you may need a few extra minutes.
- Mash the Berries: Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. If you like a chunkier jam, mash less; for a smoother texture, mash more.
- Add Sweetener and Chia Seeds: Stir in the maple syrup or honey and chia seeds. The chia seeds will act as a thickening agent, creating a gel-like texture as the mixture cools.
- Let it Set: Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and/or vanilla essence if using, and let the jam sit for about 5 minutes to thicken. If you prefer a thicker jam, add an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and let it sit a little longer.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer your chia berry jam to a clean jar, and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
I’ve included an estimated nutrition breakdown for this recipe below. Remember, though, that a recipe is much more than its nutritional content, and these numbers shouldn't solely dictate your food choices. The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
Recipe Variations Worth Trying
- Berry Mix: Experiment with any combination of berries – strawberries and raspberries make a classic blend, while blueberries add a sweet, mild taste. You can also experiment with other fruits like peaches, apricots, or plums. Just adjust the sweetener as needed.
- Flavor Add-ins: Add a splash of vanilla extract for warmth or a pinch of cinnamon for a cozy flavor twist.
- Sugar-Free: If your berries are sweet enough, you can skip the sweetener entirely, making this jam low in sugar.
Nutrition
Calories: 32kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 44mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.3mg
