Quick Blueberry Chia Seed Jam


blueberry-chia-seed-jam

[ad_1]

Combine three nutritious ingredients with a simple cooking method for Blueberry Chia Seed Jam that’s ready in about 15 minutes. It’s perfect for spreading on toast and sandwiches, and stirring into oatmeal and yogurt. And it stores so well.

blueberry-chia-seed-jam

Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

Making jam at home is about to get SO much easier with this easy method for turning blueberries and chia seed into jam. You don’t have to stand over the stove stirring for more than a few minutes, you can adjust the sweetness level to your own liking, and you can store this in the fridge or freezer as you like.

This healthy jam recipe is packed with nutrition from both the blueberries and the chia seeds. And the chia seeds plump up as they absorb the moisture from the jam mixture, thickening the fruit into a spreadable consistency.

I love this as a way to offer chia seeds, which are loaded with healthy fats and fiber, and to turn fresh or frozen blueberries into a nutrient-rich topping for toast, pancakes, yogurt, and more.

Ingredients You Need

To make this healthy blueberry jam, you’ll need the following ingredients.

ingredients in chia seed jam
  • Blueberries: You can use fresh or frozen berries in this recipe.
  • Orange juice: This adds some flavor and adds the liquid needed to allow the berries to simmer. You can use store-bought juice or squeeze your own. You can also sub water if you prefer.
  • Chia seeds: These nutritious seeds plump as they absorb liquid, which turns the mashed berries into jam.

TIP: It’s incredibly simple and you can use fresh or frozen berries in this recipe according to what you have on hand.

how to make blueberry chia seed jam step by step process

 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the simple process involved in making this recipe. Scroll down to the end of the recipe for the full information.

  1. Gather your ingredients and wash the berries.
  2. Add the berries and juice to a saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
  3. Cook until the berries are soft and starting to break down, and the liquid is mostly absorbed in the pan.
  4. Remove from heat, stir in the chia seeds, and mash lightly to break up the berries. Let sit so the seeds absorb the liquid and thicken the mixture.

TIP: You can serve this or store it in the fridge for future use after Step 4.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are chia seeds safe for babies and kids?

Chia seeds are a good source of healthy fats and fiber and are a good food to serve to kids in moderation. Start slowly with the portion size if it’s the first time you’re serving it.

How do chia seed thicken jam?

The seeds absorb some of the liquid from the berries and plump up as they turn into a sort of gel. So when you let them sit in the warm berries, they magically create a jam-like texture!

What other fruit can I use in this recipe?

You can try this chia seed jam recipe with raspberries, strawberries, blackberries or a mixture. I’ve even made it with huckleberries when we were lucky enough to have some from Montana!

Is it safe to can chia seed jam?

Since this jam has low sugar content and isn’t high in acid, it’s not advised that you can it in either a water bath or a pressure canner. You can, however, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags as a simple way to preserve it.

blueberry chia seed pudding with yogurt in container

Chia Pudding with Yogurt

One of my favorite things about this easy jam is that it’s so easy to turn it into instant chia pudding with yogurt. Simply stir some of the finished and cooled jam together with whole milk plain yogurt for a nutritious breakfast or snack.

TIP: The pudding has fiber, protein, healthy fats, Vitamin C, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-dense toddler or baby food.

How can I use this chia seed jam?

We like to use this jam on toast and sandwiches, over pancakes and waffles, stirred into yogurt and oatmeal, and as the “fruit” in DIY fruit-on-the-bottom yogurts.

How to Store

Store in airtight containers in the fridge for about 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Best Tips for Success

  • Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey.
  • Use jam on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
  • Stir into oatmeal with fruit or any kind of plain or vanilla yogurt.
  • Use equal parts jam and yogurt to stir together a quick and healthy chia seed pudding.
  • Try a different fruit like raspberries, strawberries or blackberries.

Related Recipes


I’d love to hear your feedback if you try this recipe, so please comment below to share.

blueberry chia seed jam in jar
  • Place the blueberries and juice into a saucepan.

  • Warm over medium and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the berries start to release their juices.

  • Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds and maple syrup, if using. Cover and let cool.

  • Stir and mash the berries with the back of a spoon. The chia seeds will have plumped up to thicken the jam. Taste and add more sweetener If desired.

  • Store in airtight containers until ready to use.

  • Store in airtight containers in the fridge for about 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey.
  • Use jam on toast, pancakes, or waffles.
  • Stir into oatmeal or yogurt.
  • Use equal parts jam and yogurt to stir together a quick and healthy chia seed pudding.
  • Try a different fruit like raspberries, strawberries or blackberries.
  • You can also stir, once cooled, with plain whole milk yogurt as a snack.

Calories: 88kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Trans Fat: 1g, Sodium: 2mg, Potassium: 105mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 52IU, Vitamin C: 10mg, Calcium: 67mg, Iron: 1mg

This post was first published May 2018.

[ad_2]

Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *