Description
This Easy 3-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam is a quick, healthy, and naturally sweetened homemade jam made with fresh strawberries, honey, and chia seeds. Perfect for spreading on toast, crackers, or mixing into yogurt, this jam requires minimal ingredients and time while delivering a delicious, fiber-rich, and Omega-3 packed treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Jam Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
- 3 tbsp honey (add 1 more tablespoon for sweeter jam or use a vegan honey substitute)
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
Instructions
- Heat Strawberries and Honey: Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the strawberries and honey. Place the saucepan on the stove and let the mixture warm up.
- Softening the Berries: As the strawberries soften, stir them gently in their juices and honey to prevent sticking and to combine flavors.
- Mash the Strawberries: When the berries start falling apart, use a potato masher or fork to break them up further, helping release their juices and create the jam texture.
- Bring to a Slow Boil and Add Chia Seeds: Let the mixture simmer until you see large bubbles breaking the surface, then stir in the chia seeds. These thicken the jam and add nutrients.
- Simmer and Stir: Continue stirring the jam over low heat for about 15 minutes, allowing the chia seeds to properly absorb moisture and the jam to thicken.
- Remove from Heat: Take the pan off the stove once the jam has thickened to your liking.
- Choose Texture and Blend if Desired: For jam with fruit chunks, pour directly into a mason jar and cover. For smoother jam, pulse the mixture a few times in a blender or with an immersion blender.
- Cool the Jam: Let the jam cool to room temperature in the jar; it will appear fluid initially but will gel as chia seeds activate.
- Refrigerate: Place the jar in the fridge for a few hours to achieve the perfect gelatinous consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy your strawberry chia jam on toast, gluten-free crackers, scones, yogurt, or even ice cream.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding an extra tablespoon of honey if preferred.
- The chia seeds not only thicken the jam but add fiber, protein, and healthy Omega-3 fats.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
- The jam will thicken further as it cools; don’t be alarmed by its initial liquid state when hot.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator and consume within two weeks for optimal freshness.
