Easy Berry Chia Seed Jam (Printable)
A vibrant, naturally sweetened berry spread thickened with chia seeds. Quick to prepare and perfect for breakfast or desserts.
# What You'll Need:
→ Fruit
01 - 2 cups mixed berries, fresh or frozen (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
→ Sweetener
02 - 2-3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey, adjusted to taste
→ Thickener
03 - 2 tablespoons chia seeds
→ Flavor
04 - ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
05 - ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
# Directions:
01 - Place mixed berries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until berries begin to break down and release their natural juices, approximately 5 minutes.
02 - Use a fork or potato masher to mash the cooked berries to your preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth.
03 - Stir in the maple syrup or honey, chia seeds, vanilla extract, and lemon juice until thoroughly combined.
04 - Remove from heat and let the mixture rest for at least 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to distribute the chia seeds as they absorb liquid and thicken the jam.
05 - Taste the jam and adjust sweetness level with additional sweetener if desired.
06 - Transfer the jam to a clean glass jar. Allow to cool completely at room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
07 - Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Always keep chilled as this is not a shelf-stable preserve.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- You can make it start to finish in the time it takes to toast your bread
- No canning equipment or complicated sugar thermometers required
02 -
- This jam needs refrigeration and keeps for about one week
- The texture continues to develop overnight, so it is even better the next day
03 -
- Gently warm frozen berries before cooking to reduce the initial cooking time
- Write the date on your jar since it spoils faster than commercial jam