Have you ever stumbled upon something so simple yet life-changing that you wonder how you ever lived without it? That’s how I feel about chia seed jam! No kidding, these tiny seeds have transformed my breakfast game.
I used to be the kind of person who’d mindlessly spread generic store-bought jam over toast without a second thought. But ever since I discovered the magic of chia seeds, I’ve been concocting jam flavors that rival my favorite indie bands—unexpected, delightful, and a bit quirky. The best part?
It’s so easy that even my usually kitchen-averse friend gave it a go, and she’s hooked! (Though, if you ask her, she’ll say it was her idea all along. ) With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a jam that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients—talk about a win-win!
Whether it’s a sunny Saturday morning or a rainy Wednesday evening, these easy chia seed jam recipes are going to change how you think about breakfast—or dessert, or snacks, or really, any meal. Jump on this train and thank me later.
Steps
- Begin by placing approximately 2 cups of either fresh or frozen fruit into a saucepan over medium-high heat. As the fruit warms, it will start to break down and soften. Use a spoon or potato masher to crush the fruit until it reaches your preferred texture, leaving some fruit chunks if desired.
- Add roughly 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and mix well until they are fully incorporated. Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mixture to cool, during which the jam will thicken.
- After about 5 minutes, the jam is ready to use. You can store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will last for about a week, or use it immediately on toast, waffles, or in parfaits.
- Feel free to customize the jam with optional sweeteners like honey or maple syrup if the fruit is too tart. You can also experiment with additional flavors by adding vanilla extract, lemon zest, or spices like cinnamon for extra depth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen fruit (such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, pineapple)
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, depending on the sweetness of the fruit)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: lemon zest
- Optional: a pinch of spices (such as cinnamon, ginger, or nutmeg)
FAQ
- How long does Chia Seed Jam last in the refrigerator?
- Chia Seed Jam can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Can I use any type of fruit for making Chia Seed Jam?
- Yes, you can use a variety of juicy fruits such as berries, cherries, peaches, apricots, plums, pineapple, and kiwi for making Chia Seed Jam.
- Do I need to add sweeteners to the Chia Seed Jam?
- Adding sweeteners like honey or maple syrup is optional. Many fruits are naturally sweet, but you can add sweeteners if you find the jam too tart, especially with fruits like raspberries.
- Is it necessary to use fresh fruit, or can frozen fruit be used as well?
- You can use either fresh or frozen fruit for this recipe. Both will work well, allowing you to enjoy Chia Seed Jam year-round.
- How long does it take to make Chia Seed Jam?
- The entire process takes about 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy recipe to prepare.
Tips
- Adjust Sweetness Based on Fruit: Different fruits have varying levels of sweetness, so it’s important to taste your jam as you make it and adjust the sweetener accordingly. For instance, raspberries might need more honey or maple syrup than naturally sweeter fruits like strawberries.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Enhance the flavor of your chia seed jam by incorporating optional ingredients such as vanilla extract, lemon zest, or spices like cinnamon and ginger. These can add a unique twist to your jam.
- Choose Juicy Fruits for Desired Consistency: The juiciness of the fruit you choose will affect the consistency of the jam. If you prefer a thicker jam, opt for less juicy fruits like strawberries, while fruits like pineapple will create a thinner consistency.
- Store Properly for Longevity: Once your jam is ready, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to three months to enjoy later.
Equipment
- Minute Chia Seed Jam, you might need to purchase the following main equipment items, which you can typically find on Amazon:
- Saucepan – If you don’t already have one, a small saucepan is essential for heating and breaking down the fruit.
- Potato Masher – Useful for mashing the fruit to your desired consistency, though a spoon can also be used.
- Sealed Containers – For storing the jam in the refrigerator or freezer. Mason jars or any airtight containers would work well.
