Strawberry Chia Jam is the perfect, sweet, fresh addition to your toast, bagel, or muffin. Of course, it’s delicious all on its own, but it definitely will do a great job of jazzing up other foods. Chia seeds add a delicious and healthy aspect to this delightfully easy spread.
Are you a busy parent looking for an easy way to sneak in something healthy?! Or do you enjoy a homemade gift from your kitchen? Have you guys jumped on the Chia Jam train yet? What’s your go-to quick breakfast when you’re short on time?
Well, here’s a super fast homemade jam for you guys! This one came together in – wait for it – 10 MINUTES, and everyone loves it so much. It’s way better than another peanut butter and jam sandwich.
Among all the healthy recipes I’ve shared, this recipe has been a long time coming. This easy chia seed jam is a delicious way to eat more berries on a regular basis. And don’t forget, it’s better than store-bought jam because you can control the amount of sugar, and it’s gluten-free, too.
Why chia seed jam?
- You can modify the recipe easily. Basic math might be required, but I promise to keep it simple.
- No need to worry about canning. (thank God!)
- This recipe works with nearly any juicy fruit, including pineapple. What about frozen strawberries or other frozen fruit? Yep, it works like magic!
- Easy-to-follow recipe. You can’t go wrong with this recipe.
How to make this strawberry chia jam?
Making homemade jam doesn’t require any special equipment or fancy ingredients. So you can keep that potato masher in the drawer. The main ingredients you need are strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Place them in a pot with a splash of water and stir frequently once you add the chia seeds.
- Mix the water and chia seeds in a small bowl, then set aside.
- Place the strawberries in a small pot with two tablespoons of water and the sugar over medium-low heat. Simmer until strawberries release their juice and have softened for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off, then mix in the lime or lemon juice until well combined. Now mix in the hydrated chia seeds and stir until well combined. Allow to come to room temperature and thicken up, then pour into container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator; the jam will stay fresh for up to one week — if it lasts you that long! You can now enjoy it on top of your favorite toast, as a topping for yogurt or any dessert, pancakes, crepes, or anything you’d normally put jam on. This recipe makes one and two-thirds cups of jam. You can easily double it or triple it as desired.
What benefits do chia seeds have?
Although those little black seeds seem small and maybe a little odd for most of us, they’re packed full of amazing nutrients. The fact that they’re rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and are an excellent source of antioxidants is enough to get me to eat them. However, they also provide iron, calcium, fiber, and vital daily nutrients. These nutrients all come together to help protect against heart attacks and strokes. Yep, that little seed is that amazing.
What are some ways to make/prepare chia seeds?
One of the simplest ways is to add them to water. You can also add chopped fruit or squeeze in a lemon, lime, or orange. However, I like mine in a smoothie or overnight oats with maple syrup.
How do you hide chia seeds in food?
This is a popular question since eating chia seeds isn’t so easy or pleasant. Chia seeds are relatively tasteless and easily hidden in most foods, such as yogurt, smoothies, jams, oatmeal, or other foods with a little liquid involved. The seeds absorb the liquid and turn mushy. This is where people usually end up having a problem with the texture. However, this is why I love them in this strawberry chia seed jam so much. They end up with the same consistency, which allows all those great nutrients from those chia seeds to be utilized without freaking out your taste buds too much.
If you’ve held back on using or trying chia seeds due to the texture or based on looks alone, I urge you to try this easy strawberry chia jam. I guarantee it will change your mind and pleasantly surprise you with the taste, extra fiber, and omega-3s that chia seeds offer.
You might think, “Those chia seeds are so strange, I’m not touching them with a ten-foot pole.” I promise, they seem odd at first but will win your heart over if you only give them a chance. If you’ve never had chia seeds, this Strawberry Chia Jam is the perfect way to test them out, especially because it utilizes their tendency to get mushy in the best way possible.
Some other recipes you might want to try this Summer:
- Dragon fruit chia pudding is the perfect treat you can make ahead and keep on hand when you’re in a hurry in the morning or when you need a great healthy snack.
- Lemon blueberry basil cupcakes are absolutely game-changers!
- Fresh strawberry butter
- Meyer lemon cookies
10-Minute Chia Seed Jam
Ingredients
- 1 pack of strawberries 454g or 16oz hulled and quartered
- 2 tablespoons of water
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar or adjust depending on ripeness and sweetness of strawberries
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 4 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh lime or lemon juice
Instructions
- Mix the water and chia seeds in a small bowl, then set aside.
- Place the strawberries in a small pot with two tablespoons of water and the sugar over medium-low heat. Simmer until strawberries release their juice and have softened for about 10 minutes. Turn the heat off, then mix in the lime or lemon juice until well combined. Now mix in the hydrated chia seeds and stir until well combined. Allow to come to room temperature and thicken up, then pour into container.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator; the jam will stay fresh for up to one week — if it lasts you that long! You can now enjoy it on top of your favorite toast, as a topping for yogurt or any dessert, pancakes, crepes, or anything you’d normally put jam on. This recipe makes one and two-thirds cups of jam. You can easily double it or triple it as desired.
Megan Stevens says
I love what an easy solution this is for quick jam! And delicious. And the extra protein is nice with something sweet.
Amy Sheree says
I LOVE chia seed jam! I’m totally going to make this one! yum!
Raia Todd says
Chia seed jam is such a wonderful, easy replacement for the store-bought jams. Great recipe!
paleoglutenfreeguy says
I get people’s weirdness with chia seeds but this is such a great way to use them. I bet you can hardly tell they’re in there!
Tessa Simpson says
I have yet to foray into chia seed jams…the seeds I use all the time, and I love chia puddings, so this has got to happen! SO easy, and such a quick way to do fresh jam!
chihyu says
Love chia and strawberry jam. It is the best!
Anne Lawton says
I just picked up strawberries from a local farm, I think I will give this jam a try!
STACEY CRAWFORD says
Oh wow, I need to pick up some berries and try this!
Vanessa Price says
I’ve been wanting to make chia jam, and this one looks great! I wonder how it would work with coconut sugar or honey instead of brown sugar?
Ivana says
I always thought you needed to leave the seeds overnight! Amazing!