There’s nothing worse than splurging on a fancy little jar of jam—only to have TSA confiscate it at the airport. That’s exactly what happened to me. I picked up an overpriced yet delicious-looking jam from Whole Foods, thinking it would be the perfect little treat. But as I went through security, they pulled it from my bag and tossed it. Apparently, jam is a liquid. Lesson learned! Instead of being bitter (okay, maybe just a little), I decided to take matters into my own hands and make my own jam at home. And you know what? It turned out even better—healthier and cheaper:-)
Why You’ll Love Making Mixed Berry Chia Jam
- Super easy – No need for fancy canning techniques.
- Naturally sweetened – Uses honey or maple syrup instead of refined sugar.
- Nutritious – Chia seeds thicken the jam and add fiber, omega-3s, and protein.
- Customizable – Use any combination of berries.
Ingredients Overview
This jam requires just a handful of wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Mixed berries provide natural sweetness and tartness, chia seeds help thicken the jam while adding a nutritional boost, and a touch of honey or maple syrup enhances the flavor. A bit of vanilla and lemon juice round out the taste for a perfectly balanced homemade jam.
Chia seeds: Packed with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein, chia seeds help thicken the jam naturally while adding a nutritious boost. These little seeds absorb liquid and create a gel-like texture, making them a great alternative to traditional pectin. You can find chia seeds at most grocery stores, health food stores, or online retailers.
Honey or maple syrup: Enhances the flavor of the berries and adds a touch of sweetness.
Lemon juice: Balances flavors and helps thicken the jam.
Pro-Tips for Mixed Berry Chia Jam
- Frozen berries work great for this jam, but fresh ones are a perfect alternative as well.
- For a smoother texture, simply blend the berries before adding the chia seeds.
- Feel free to add extra sweetener to taste.
- This jam is delicious on yogurt, pancakes, oatmeal, or even as a topping for cheesecake!
More Recipes You’ll Love
Mixed Berry Chia Jam
Description
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen mixed berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 Tablespoon honey or maple syrup or more to taste
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the mixed berries in a saucepan over medium heat until they start breaking down, about 5-7 minutes. Mash them slightly with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
- Mix in chia seeds, and honey (or maple syrup). Cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in the lemon juice.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and naturally thicken the jam.
- Transfer to a clean jar, let it cool completely, then keep it refrigerated for up to a week.
even my kids love it! TY
yay