Chia jam
Jump to RecipeWhy chia jam?! Well I have a very hard time finding a jelly or jam that does not have loads of sugar or preservatives in it. Then when I do find something promising it’s too expensive for my current budget…based on the high demand for pb&j in our household.
Then I discovered chia jam!
I have found quite a few recipes but this is my own. It has no honey or sweetener in it. I like the tartness and sweetness of natural fruit but if you want it sweeter feel free to add honey, maple syrup or your desired sweetener to taste.
The chia seeds add a great jelly like texture and my kids absolutely love jam!
I like to make a double batch and keep some in the freezer until we run out…which always happens faster then expected lol
I hope you enjoy this healthy and delicious jam recipe! Feel free to use any fruit you like and get creative!
Why you will love this chia jam recipe.
- Minutes to prep
- Super Easy
- Extremely Tasty
- Healthy (Soy Free, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Preservative Free)
- Family Friendly
Is chia jam healthy?
Yes! It is sooooo hard to find a jam, jelly or preserves that is low in sugar. Or contains only natural sugars. If you do find an organic jelly its so expensive that I struggle to make PB&J often. This jam is all natural and has no added artificial sugars (That means NO HIGH FRUCTOSE CORN SYRUP!). Its so easy to make in a large batch and then freeze so you have limitless jelly…and PB&J *wink*. *Paleo, Whole 30, Gluten Free approved.Ingredients you will need for this chia jam recipe.
- frozen strawberries (Or other favorite fruit)
- chia seeds
- fresh lemon juice
- raw honey (Optional)
What is raw honey? Is it different from regular honey?
Raw honey comes straight from the honey comb. It is cleaned of any bits of comb but does not undergo a pasteurization process which leaves it a bit cloudy because this is honey in its pure natural form. Regular honey undergoes a pasteurization process making it pure and very consistent in it coloring. It also does not solidify. The pasteurization process may decrease the health benefits that raw honey has to offer by lowering the number of antioxidants and nutrients in the honey. You may use raw or regular honey but because of the health benefits I always recommend using raw honey.How long can you keep chia seeds in the refrigerator?
You can keep chia seeds in the refrigerator (milled/ground seeds) for up to 3 months after opening. You can also keep chia seeds longer in the freezer for up to one year. Jump to RecipeWhat kind of fruit can I use?
Whatever is your favorite fruit! That is one of the best things about this recipe is the possibilities are endless! Make you favorite, here are some ideas:- Chia jam blueberry
- Apricot chia jam
- strawberry chia jam
- peach chia jam
- raspberry chia jam
- grape chia jam
What to serve with this chia jam recipe?
Serve with your favorite slice of homemade bread! You could also add into cottage cheese, oatmeal, or yogurt. There are so many great ways to enjoy homemade healthy jam.How to store this healthy chia jam recipe?
After cooking store in fridge in an airtight container for up to one week. I like to make a big batch and freeze in smaller containers so that I can easily use it up and have more ready to go when I need it.Do I need a slow cooker for this recipe?
No unfortunately this is not a slow cooker recipe.Can I use an instant pot instead?
No unfortunately this is not an instant pot recipes. However the instant pot is a great appliance for any night of the week. For slow cooker to instant pot conversion times click here to get a simple instant pot cheat sheet. You will never have to guess or research an instant pot cook time again!*See FAQ’s and specific tips following recipe below. (so you don’t have to scroll for a million years to find the food ).
How do you make this Chia Jam Recipe?
- 3 cup frozen strawberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Set fruit in saucepan on stovetop med-high heat, lid on, and bring to a boil. (Stirring occasionally).
- Once boiling set to med heat and simmer for 35 min with lid on or until fruit begins to fall apart (I used strawberries so if using a smaller fruit this step will take less time - Jam will be very thin at this time, chia seeds and cooling will thicken it up.)
- Remove from heat and add chia seeds and lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes.
- Blend in high speed blender or food processor for 2 minutes. Store in glass containers and set in freezer until ready for use. (I use 8 oz mason jars for storage, I freeze all the jam except one which I keep in fridge so we can enjoy! Stays good for up to two weeks in fridge and up to three months in freezer)
Nutrition
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Facebook Twitter Instagram PinterestHow freezer meals will change your life.
Makes homecooking Easy
Only spend one hour in the kitchen for a whole week of dinners. Day of, throw your freezer meal in the slow cooker or instant pot and enjoy dinner!
feel confident
Knowing you have a fool proof systen for something that is easy and works gives you confidence in the kitchen. So wether you’re a seasoned chef or occational home cook the method of freezer cooking will work for you!
Eat Healthier
Because you’re prepping the freezer meals with fresh foods you’re eating healthier. Anytime you cook at home instead of eating out you get the benefits of healthier food.
Enjoy less stress
Have you ever felt the pressure of forgetting about dinner, or having to cook at the end of a long day?! No more, just grab something out of the freezer and you’re good to go.
Frequently asked questions
How do I thaw my frozen strawberry chia jam?When you are running out of jam/jelly and you need more just pop it from the freezer into the refrigerator. It will thaw up within 24 hours and be ready for you to enjoy chia jam on all your favorite recipes.
Strawberry chia jam baby food is also great to be stored in the freezer.
Is it safe to can chia seed jam?You should not can chia jam because you are using chia seeds and fruit to replace pectin and lots of sugar. The make up of this jam allows for a great freezer recipe but does not work well to go through the canning method.
What’s the healthiest jam?The healthiest jam is low is preservatives, sugar and contains all natural ingredients. Try making this preservative free jam recipe with your favorite fruit and enjoy the healthiest jam right as home!
How many calories are in a serving of chia jam?A serving size assumes 2 tbsp chia jam at 12 kcal per serving.
Can I use this recipe in my instant pot?Unfortunately no this is not an instant pot recipe. Comment below if you’re interested in an instant pot chia jam recipe.
If you’re interested in an instant pot cheat sheet for cook times click here!
Do chia seeds have pectin?Chia seeds do not have pectin. However there is fresh lemon juice in this recipe and lemons actually do contain pectin. But chia seeds do have a gelatinous property naturally so between the chia seeds and the fresh lemon juice there is lots of natural properties to make this jam delicious with great texture.
What are the bad side effects of chia seeds?If you eat too many chia seeds (which would have to be ALOT) then you can experience some uncomfortable side effects. Chia seeds are very high in fiber and too much fiber in any diet may cause…
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- bloating
- gas
Not this jam! Its all about the ingredients in what you are eating. Enjoying a whole grain toast will be on the healthier side but this paleo freezer chia jam is so healthy you can enjoy it on about anything without worrying about preservatives or unnatural ingredients.
Is honey better then jelly?Honestly no. Both contain natural sugars and if using raw honey or chia jam are low on preservatives. Clean eating and preservative free living is the best way to keep your body running well.
Can you eat chia seeds without soaking them first?Chia seeds are great at staying dehydrated because they hold so much liquid when they soak it up. However it is not safe to eat dry chia seeds before rehydrating them because they will absorb liquids in your system and possibly cause a blockage.
Directions:Directions:
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Set fruit in saucepan on stovetop med-high heat, lid on, and bring to a boil. (Stirring occasionally).
-
Once boiling set to med heat and simmer for 35 min with lid on or until fruit begins to fall apart (I used strawberries so if using a smaller fruit this step will take less time – Jam will be very thin at this time, chia seeds and cooling will thicken it up.)
-
Remove from heat and add chia seeds and lemon juice. Stir and let sit for 15 minutes.
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Blend in high speed blender or food processor for 2 minutes. Store in glass containers and set in freezer until ready for use. (I use 8 oz mason jars for storage, I freeze all the jam except one which I keep in fridge so we can enjoy! Stays good for up to two weeks in fridge and up to three months in freezer)
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