Strawberry Chia Jam

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This homemade strawberry chia jam recipe is an easy and delicious way to use all those summer fresh and juicy strawberries. This easy recipe can be made with fresh or frozen berries. A great way to make your own jam without canning.

It’s summer which means it is strawberry season, and there are you pick strawberry farms just overflowing with delicious ripe strawberries.

Last year, when my family went strawberry picking, we picked an absolute ton of strawberries and I couldn’t wait to can my own homemade jam. 

Let’s just say it didn’t go well. I made one good batch and all the others were terrible. The one good batch had loads of sugar while the others were low sugar and I may have added too much pectin so it wasn’t even spreadable.

Plus, it took far too long and far too many strawberries to make traditional jam. To be fair it was my first year canning. 

This year, with a new baby in tow, I knew a day of making “regular jam” wasn’t going to happen. So I opted to make this strawberry chia seed jam recipe.

It is super easy to make, made with simple ingredients, and isn’t loaded with sugar.

Why You will love this recipe

Can use frozen or fresh berries

Made in a matter of minutes with a few ingredients

You get to control how much sweetener is added.

Healthy recipe to top bread or pancakes without loads of sugar. 

Chia Jam Making Tips

• Add more lemon juice if you really like a tart jam.
• I try not make this recipe without a lot of added sugar
• For longer term storage, place into the freezer for a strawberry freezer jam. It will last up to a year in the freezer.
• Use this recipe to make raspberry jam, blueberry jam, blackberry jam, etc. Just swap out the strawberries for your favorite frozen or fresh berries.

FAQ

How long does chia jam last in fridge?

It will keep for up to one week in the fridge. For longer term storage I suggest putting it in the freezer.

Can chia jam be canned?

No. The USDA has not tested the use of chia seeds in canning and chia seeds may lower the ph of the jam making it unsafe to can. To be on the safe side, skip the canning and choose the freezer for longer term storage.

Can I use chia seeds instead of pectin?

In freezer jam recipes, yes. In canning recipes no. Chia seeds and pectin cannot be swapped out one for one though.

See the above answer.

Does Chia seed jam need to be refrigerated?

Yes. It is not a shelf stable product and needs to be refrigerator in order to keep it yummy and safe.

Ingredients:

Strawberries – Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries will also work. You can also use fresh fruit or frozen.

Chia seeds – The addition of chia seeds gives this easy jam recipe thickness without pectin

Lemon juice – Adds a brightness and acidity. 

Lemon zest – Also brightens it up. This is totally optional and you can skip it.

Honey, pure maple syrup, or date syrup – Depending on the sweetness of your fruit will depend how much, or if any, sweetness you want to add. If you like a really sweet jam you may need to add more. If you add a lot you may need to increase the amount of chia seeds added. I only like a little sweetener and appreciate the natural sweetness.

Health Benefits Of Chia Seeds:

Chia seeds are nutrient dense food. They contain a healthy dose of fiber, antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals. Two tablespoons of chia seeds contain about 23% of magnesium, (which helps you sleep all you tired mamas out there), 5 grams of protein, B vitamins and almost 10 grams of fiber. (Source)

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Tools you may need:

• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Mason jars or other airtight container
• microplane (optional)
• Potato masher or immersion blender
• Cutting board

How To Make Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Cut the tops off of fresh strawberries. 

In a medium sauce pan, add fresh or frozen strawberries (or other berries) and place over medium heat.

Allow to simmer for a few minutes until the juices start to come out of the berries.

With a potato masher or immersion blender, mash the berries until desired consistency. 

Carefully, taste the jam. Use a spoon and scoop a small amount onto the spoon. Blow until it is cool enough to try without burning your mouth.

Add sweetener until desired sweetness is reached.

Turn off the heat and add lemon juice, zest, and chia seeds. Give it a good stir until well combined.

Allow to cool at room temperature. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

That’s it! Store the healthy jam in the fridge or freezer.

Storage:

Place in an airtight container and store in the fridge for about 1 week or store in the freezer for up to 1 year.

How To Use Homemade Strawberry Jam

• Peanut butter and jelly – Is there anything better than a pb&j sandwich with homemade jam.
• Add to overnight oats
• Top vanilla ice cream
• Add it to greek yogurt
• Top pancakes or sourdough toast

Find More Recipes You Will Love:

• Sourdough Banana Bread (Active Sourdough Starter Or Discard)
• Chocolate Mug Pancake – Gluten Free
• Peanut Butter Protein Bars
• Sourdough Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies
• Strawberry Dole Whip

Tried it and loved it? We would appreciate if you would come back and give it 5 stars. Thank you! Tag us on Instagram @thehealthyshift.