Naturally Sweetened Mixed Berry Chia Jam Recipe

Introduction

This Naturally Sweetened Mixed Berry Chia Jam is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy your favorite berries. Made with simple ingredients and sweetened only with pure maple syrup, it’s perfect for spreading on toast, yogurt, or pancakes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 3 cups frozen strawberries (16 ounce bag)
• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the frozen blueberries and strawberries to a small saucepan and turn the heat to medium-high.
2. Step 2: Zest the lemon and add the zest to the berries in the saucepan.
3. Step 3: Stir in the maple syrup and vanilla extract until combined.
4. Step 4: Cook the mixture over medium to medium-high heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries have broken down and softened.
5. Step 5: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the saucepan regularly to prevent the jam from sticking.
6. Step 6: If the jam appears watery, do not worry; the chia seeds added next will help thicken it.
7. Step 7: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the chia seeds thoroughly. Let the jam sit for a few minutes to thicken before serving or storing.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother texture, gently mash the berries with a fork or potato masher while cooking.
• Swap maple syrup for honey or agave if you prefer a different natural sweetener.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or fresh mint for an interesting flavor twist.
• Use fresh berries if available, adjusting cooking time as needed.

Storage

Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Reheat gently if desired or enjoy chilled. You can also freeze the jam for longer storage and thaw it in the refrigerator before use.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh berries work well too. You may need to cook the jam for a shorter time since fresh berries will break down faster.

Do chia seeds affect the texture?

Chia seeds absorb liquid and help thicken the jam while adding a slight crunch. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can reduce the chia seeds or blend the jam after cooking.

Naturally Sweetened Mixed Berry Chia Jam Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This Naturally Sweetened Mixed Berry Chia Jam is a healthy and delicious homemade spread made with frozen blueberries, strawberries, pure maple syrup, and chia seeds. It’s a perfect low-sugar alternative to store-bought jams, packed with antioxidants and fiber, and naturally thickened using chia seeds for a nutritious and flavorful treat.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: About 1 ½ cups 1x
• Category: Jam
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Berries

• 1 cup frozen blueberries
• 3 cups frozen strawberries (16 ounce bag)

Sweeteners & Flavorings

• 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• zest of one lemon

Thickener

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

Instructions

1. Heat the berries: Add the frozen blueberries and strawberries to a small saucepan and set the heat to medium-high. This will begin to thaw and cook the berries to help them release their juices and break down.
2. Add lemon zest: Zest one lemon and add the zest to the saucepan along with the berries to infuse a fresh citrus flavor into the jam.
3. Add sweeteners and flavorings: Pour in 2 tablespoons of pure maple syrup and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the saucepan, then stir everything together to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Cook down the mixture: Let the berry mixture cook over medium to medium-high heat for 20 to 30 minutes. Stir occasionally and mash the berries as they soften to help them break down and thicken the jam.
5. Scrape saucepan sides: Frequently scrape down the sides of the saucepan with a spatula to prevent any sticking or burning as the jam thickens.
6. Assess the texture: If the berry mixture is still watery after cooking, do not worry as it will be thickened in the next step with the chia seeds.
7. Add chia seeds: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. These seeds absorb the liquid and gel the jam to the perfect consistency naturally.

Notes

• Use frozen berries to ensure year-round availability and to help control the jam’s consistency as it cooks down.
• If you prefer a sweeter jam, adjust the amount of maple syrup to taste.
• Stir the jam well after adding chia seeds and allow it to cool; it will continue to thicken as it sits.
• Store the jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
• This jam is great as a topping for toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or as a filling for desserts.

Keywords: berry jam, chia jam, healthy jam, natural sweetener, mixed berries, homemade jam, maple syrup jam