This 10-Minute Chia Seed Jam is My Jam
This 10-minute chia seed jam recipe is truly a game-changer. Unlike traditional jams that rely heavily on sugar and preservatives for texture, this recipe harnesses the power of chia seeds. These tiny nutritional powerhouses are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, naturally thickening the mixture and reducing the need for excessive sweeteners and artificial additives.
To make this jam, all you’ll need is fruit, chia seeds, lemon, and either maple syrup or honey. You can easily customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of maple syrup or honey based on the fruit's natural sugar content. Some fruits, like strawberries, might not need any added sweetener, while tart fruits may benefit from a small amount to balance the flavors. The choice is entirely yours.
This jam stays fresh for about a week in the fridge and up to three months in the freezer. With no canning required, it's the perfect option for cooks of any skill level. I like to make a big batch to add to granola and yogurt or to use in my gourmet PB&J recipe. It’s also fantastic in cookies, on a cheeseboard, or spread on your morning toast, pancakes, or waffles. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make, has zero preservatives, and genuinely tastes like real fruit instead of a sugar bomb.
Ingredients
This recipe makes a generous amount of jam, so feel free to cut it in half if you'd like a smaller batch.
2-3 (6 oz) containers of fresh fruit, or 2 cups of frozen fruit
Zest of 1/2 lemon
Juice of 1 lemon or 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (depending on the size of your lemon)
1-2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
If you're using fresh fruit, be sure to wash it thoroughly before cooking. I like to soak mine in a mix of water, white vinegar, and baking soda for 10 minutes to get rid of any dirt. If you’re using frozen fruit, you can skip this step.
Heat the fruit in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through and starts to break down and bubble. Once the fruit starts to break down, use a potato masher or even a glass mason jar to blend the fruit to your preferred consistency.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add in your lemon zest and lemon juice. If needed, add 1-2 tablespoons of either maple syrup or honey. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add in your chia seeds, and stir everything together.
Remove from heat and let the jam cool for about 5 minutes. It will naturally thicken as it cools, which is perfectly normal.
Transfer the jam to a glass container and let it cool completely. You can either serve it right away or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.