Chia jam is usually made with much less sugar than regular jam. It also has omega-3-rich chia seeds, making chia jam a healthier alternative.

How do you store chia jam?

Chia jam can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

How long is chia jam good for?

Chia jam is good for about one week in the refrigerator. Since chia jelly isn't thickened with sugar, it can't preserve fruits for as long or as safely as the regular jamming process.

Which fruits can I make chia jam with?

You can make chia jelly with classics like strawberry or raspberry. Or venture out to peeled apricots, nectarines, blueberries, blackberries, figs, or a tasty combination of your favorites!

Is it safe to can chia jam?

Chia jam can be stored in a can in the refrigerator for up to one week. It can't be "canned" like regular jelly. Find out more about safe canning recommendations by the CDC .

Does chia have pectin?

Chia doesn't have pectin. Chia seeds achieve their gelling properties through their mucilage (water-soluble polysaccharides). When hydrated, they create hydrogel networks that can absorb large quantities of water due to swelling.

How can I thicken jam without pectin?

The most common way to thicken jam without pectin is to reduce it with lots of sugar over an extended period of time, usually a few hours. Alternatively, you can use chia seeds to thicken jelly.

Are chia seeds good for you?

Yes! Chia seeds are full of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Check out more health benefits of chia seeds here .

How do you eat chia jam?

You can enjoy chia jelly the same way you would regular jam! Spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or fill donuts and other desserts with homemade chia jelly.

Can I use frozen berries to make chia jam?

Yes, you can use frozen berries to make chia jelly. If thawing large pieces, make sure to cook them all the way through.

Can I make fruit preserves with chia seeds?

Yes, you can make fruit preserves using chia seeds by not mashing or blending the fruit.

Do I have to cook fruit for chia jelly?

You don't have to cook the fruit to make chia jelly, but it is recommended. According to flavor science, cooking fruits generally brings additional sweetness and pungency, making them taste "jammy" as opposed to "fresh".

Do I need to grind chia seeds to make jam?

No, there is no need to grind chia seeds to make jam. Whole chia seeds can be added to make jam without any prior treatment. If you're planning to make a more jelly-like, smooth spread, grinding the chia seeds or blending the mixture is a good idea.

How to Make Chia Jam with Any Fruit — Quick & Healthy

Description

Learn how to make chia jam with any fruit—you can use strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, apricots, or a combination of your favorites! This delicious alternative to store-bought jelly is much healthier and very easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

5 cups whole (600 g) strawberries, chopped (See Note)
3 tablespoons (50 g) chia seeds
1 ½ tablespoons (23 ml) lemon juice
zest of 1 lemon
(optional) ¼ cup or more maple syrup (See Note)

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Instructions

Place the fruit in a large saucepan and cook on medium-high heat until the juices ooze out and boil, about 12-15 minutes.
Take the fruit off the heat and blend with a regular or immersion blender. Alternatively, you may use a potato masher or fork to mash the cooked fruit, but the texture won’t be uniform.
Once blended, stir in the lemon juice and chia seeds. Taste (be careful as it might still be hot!) and add maple syrup or another sweetener of choice to your liking. Note that foods usually taste sweeter when they’re hot, so you may want to add more sweetener than you think is needed if you plan on enjoying this jelly chilled or at room temperature.
Pour into an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to a week. Chia jam doesn’t have enough sugar to be shelf-stable.
You can enjoy chia jelly the same way you would regular jam! Spread it on toast, mix it into oatmeal, or fill donuts and other desserts.

Notes

If this is your first time making chia jam, you can't go wrong with classics like strawberry or raspberry. Peeled apricots, nectarines, blueberries, blackberries, figs, or a tasty combination of your favorites are all good ideas!

Chia jam made of fruits that aren't naturally very sweet, such as raspberries, often needs a bit of sweetener to taste as best as it can. The amount will vary on the type and ripeness of the fruit. Start low and add as much as you think it needs.

If you'd like whole fruit preserves instead, you don't need to blend or mash at all.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Snack, Dessert
Method: Cook
Cuisine: Universal