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- 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Pinch of salt - Additional sweeteners - Spices (e.g., cinnamon or vanilla) - Other fruit combinations To make Berry Chia Jam, you need simple and fresh ingredients. The main stars are mixed berries. You can choose strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These fruits bring bright colors and sweet flavors. Chia seeds are next. They help thicken the jam and add health benefits. Honey or maple syrup gives sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on your taste. Lemon juice adds a nice zing, balancing the sweetness. Lastly, a pinch of salt brings out all the flavors. You can also add extra touches. If you like, mix in more sweeteners or spices. A sprinkle of cinnamon gives warmth. Vanilla can add a lovely scent. You can even try other fruits. Blackberries or cranberries work well too. This flexibility makes the jam fun and personal. You get to play with flavors and create your perfect blend! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by adding 2 cups of mixed berries and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to a medium saucepan. The mix can include strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Cook this over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir it occasionally. You want to see the berries break down and release their juices. This step makes a great base for the jam. Once the berries soften, it's time to add 2-3 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Mix well to blend the sweetener into the berries. Taste the mixture; adjust the sweetness if you want. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash the berries. You can choose how smooth you want it. Leave some chunks for texture if you prefer. Now, stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and a pinch of salt. This is where the magic happens! Mix everything thoroughly. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes. Stir it often until it thickens. When done, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a bit. Pour the jam into a clean jar. Allow it to cool at room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This helps it thicken even more. Enjoy your homemade berry chia jam! To adjust sweetness, start by tasting your jam after mixing in honey or maple syrup. If it needs more sweetness, add another half tablespoon. Always remember, you can add but can't take away. Mix well after each addition. This way, you can find the perfect balance that suits your taste. For a thicker jam, let it simmer longer. Keep stirring often to prevent sticking. If you'd like it even thicker, add one more tablespoon of chia seeds. They absorb liquid and create a nice texture. If the jam becomes too thick, stir in a splash of water or more lemon juice to loosen it up. Berry chia jam pairs wonderfully with many foods. Spread it on fresh bread or crackers for a tasty snack. You can also use it in yogurt or oatmeal. For a lovely presentation, serve it in a small jar with a label. Add a few whole berries on top for a pop of color. This simple touch makes it look beautiful on any table. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Berries: Opt for ripe and fresh berries for the best flavor and sweetness in your jam. Adjusting Sweetness: Start with less sweetener and gradually increase it to suit your taste preference, as the natural sweetness of berries can vary. Texture Preference: For a chunkier jam, mash the berries lightly; for a smoother consistency, mash them more thoroughly. Storage Tips: Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze it for longer preservation. {{image_2}} Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They are packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein. In just one ounce, you can find about 11 grams of fiber. This fiber helps with digestion and keeps you full longer. Omega-3s support heart health and brain function. Chia seeds also contain protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. When mixed with berries, chia seeds become even more nutritious. Berries are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help fight free radicals in your body. This means they can help reduce your risk of chronic diseases. Eating chia seeds with berries gives you a powerhouse of nutrients in one bite. Berry chia jam is a smart choice for a healthy diet. It has low sugar and is nutrient-dense. You can make it at home, which means you control the ingredients. Store-bought jams often have added sugars and preservatives. By making your own, you avoid those unhealthy extras. This jam is a great way to enjoy sweet flavors without guilt. It makes breakfast or snacks tastier and healthier. You can spread it on whole-grain toast or mix it into yogurt. Using this jam means you get all the flavor with far fewer calories. Mixed berries, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, are full of vitamins. Strawberries have vitamin C, which helps your immune system. Blueberries are known for their brain-boosting benefits due to their high antioxidant levels. Raspberries provide fiber and vitamin K, which supports bone health. These berries also have anti-inflammatory properties. This means they can help reduce swelling and pain in the body. Eating mixed berries regularly can lead to better overall health. Adding them to your chia jam not only enhances its flavor but also packs a nutritional punch. Berry chia jam is fun because you can mix and match berries. You can use just one type of berry or try a mix. For example, blackberries bring a sweet and tangy taste. Cranberries add a tart kick. Each berry has its own unique flavor. This allows you to create your favorite jam. You can even try using seasonal berries for a fresh twist! To make your jam even better, think about adding herbs or zest. Fresh mint can give a cool taste. Just chop a little mint and stir it in. Citrus zest, like lemon or orange, adds a bright flavor. This small change can make a big difference in taste. It can take your jam from good to great! If you want to cut sugar, there are many options. Agave nectar is sweeter than honey and works well. Stevia is a zero-calorie sweetener that can be added easily. Coconut sugar is another good choice. It has a lower glycemic index than regular sugar. These alternatives let you enjoy a tasty jam without all the sugar. You can use them based on your taste and health needs. Berry Chia Jam lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar with a lid. You can also freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to leave some space in the jar for the jam to expand when frozen. Yes, you can use frozen berries! They work great in this recipe. Just thaw them first and drain any extra liquid. Frozen berries may take a bit longer to cook and break down. Remember to adjust the sweetness since frozen berries can be sweeter than fresh ones. This recipe is not ideal for canning. It lacks the high sugar content that helps preserve jams. If you want to can it, you need to add more sugar. Always follow safe canning practices. Use sterilized jars and ensure a proper seal. This blog detailed how to make delicious berry chia jam. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. We discussed health benefits of chia seeds and berries, plus variations to mix things up. I hope you feel inspired to try this simple recipe. Enjoy your jam on toast or as a sweet treat! It’s quick, healthy, and fun to make. You can customize it to fit your taste. Enjoy creating!

Berry Bliss Chia Jam

A delightful and healthy jam made with mixed berries and chia seeds, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 2
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the mixed berries and lemon juice. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to break down and release their juices.
  • Add the honey or maple syrup to the berry mixture, mixing well to incorporate. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary.
  • Once the berries are softened, mash them gently using a fork or potato masher to your desired level of smoothness (leave some chunks for texture if preferred).
  • Stir in the chia seeds and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens to your desired jam consistency.
  • Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before pouring into a clean jar or container.
  • Allow the jam to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to thicken further.

Notes

Serve in a small jar with a label and garnish with whole berries for aesthetic appeal.
Keyword berries, chia seeds, healthy spread, jam