Minute Berry Chia Jam

$- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) - 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey) - 1 tablespoon chia seeds - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - A pinch of salt - Medium-sized bowl - Fork - Airtight container or jar - Hand blender (optional) Gather your ingredients first. You need one cup of mixed berries. I love using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries together. They create a sweet and tangy flavor. Next, grab two tablespoons of maple syrup or honey. This will sweeten your jam just right. You will also need one tablespoon of chia seeds. These tiny seeds help thicken the jam. A teaspoon of lemon juice adds brightness. Finally, add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. For equipment, you only need a few simple tools. A medium-sized bowl helps mix everything well. A fork is great for mashing the berries. An airtight container or jar is essential for storage. If you want a smoother jam, a hand blender can help, but it’s not a must. This quick and easy recipe lets you enjoy fresh, homemade berry chia jam in no time! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take your mixed berries. I love using strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for flavor. Place them in a medium bowl. Next, use a fork to mash the berries. You want to mash them until they reach your preferred consistency. If you like some chunks, leave larger pieces. This adds nice texture to the jam. Now, it's time to mix in the other ingredients. Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to sweeten the jam. Then, add 1 tablespoon of chia seeds. These seeds are key as they will help thicken the jam. Next, squeeze in 1 teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness and a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Stir everything well until it is fully combined. A good mix ensures even flavor throughout. Let the mixture sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds soak up moisture. This process helps the jam thicken nicely. If you prefer a smoother jam, you can use a hand blender to blend it briefly. Taste the jam after thickening. If it needs more sweetness, add a bit more maple syrup or honey. To make your jam just right, taste it after mixing. If it’s not sweet enough, add more maple syrup or honey. Start with a little and mix well. Keep tasting until it suits your taste buds. Each berry has its own sweetness, so this step is key. Serving this jam in small jars looks cute and fun. Add a sprig of mint on top for a fresh touch. You can pair this jam with many foods. Try it on toast for breakfast or mix it into yogurt for a snack. It also makes a great topping for pancakes. Each bite will feel like a treat! To get the perfect jam thickness, let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This gives chia seeds time to absorb moisture. If you want it smoother, use a hand blender for a few seconds. If your jam feels too thick, just add a splash of water or more fruit. Adjust until it feels just right! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Berries: Select fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. Overripe berries may lead to a jam that’s too sweet or mushy. Experiment with Sweeteners: Feel free to substitute maple syrup with agave nectar or coconut sugar for a different flavor profile. Adjust Consistency: If the jam is too thick after sitting, stir in a bit of water or additional lemon juice to reach your desired consistency. Store Properly: To extend the shelf life, keep the jam in an airtight container and use clean utensils to scoop it out. {{image_2}} You can have fun with flavors in your berry chia jam. Start by using different types of berries. Mix strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a classic taste. If you want something new, try blackberries or cherries. Each berry brings its own sweet and tart notes. You can also add spices like cinnamon or vanilla. A dash of cinnamon adds warmth. A splash of vanilla gives the jam a lovely aroma. If you prefer a low-calorie option, you can swap the sweetener. Instead of maple syrup or honey, try agave syrup or stevia. Agave syrup is sweeter than sugar and has a mild taste. Stevia is a plant-based sweetener that has zero calories. Both options keep the jam tasty without extra calories. Chia seeds are great, but they are not the only option. You can explore other seeds like flaxseeds. Flaxseeds can provide a similar texture. They also offer extra fiber and nutrients. Use ground flaxseeds for the best results. They blend well into the jam while keeping it healthy. To keep your Minute Berry Chia Jam fresh, store it in a clean, airtight jar. Make sure the jar is sealed tightly to prevent air from getting in. Place the jar in the refrigerator right after you make the jam. This keeps it cool and tasty. Your jam will stay fresh for about one week in the fridge. Check for any changes in smell or color before using. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. If you want to save some jam for later, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag for this. Fill the container, leaving some space for expansion. The jam can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in this jam. Just thaw them first. This helps break down the berries easily. Frozen berries may have more water. You might need to adjust the amount of sweetener. Taste the jam and tweak as needed. Homemade chia jam lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar or airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty. Always check for any off smells or changes in color. If it looks or smells strange, throw it away. If your jam is too thick, add a bit of water. Start with a teaspoon and mix well. This helps loosen the jam's texture. You can also add more berries or a splash of lemon juice. Adjust until you reach your desired consistency. This post covered how to make tasty chia jam using berries and common ingredients. I shared steps for preparation, combining, and thickening for the perfect texture. You learned how to adjust sweetness and present your jam beautifully. We discussed variations, storage tips, and answers to common FAQs. Making chia jam is simple and fun. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your creations!$

A quick and easy jam made with mixed berries and chia seeds, perfect for spreading on toast or topping yogurt.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1 teaspoon lemon juice
a pinch salt

Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, mash the mixed berries with a fork until you achieve your desired consistency. Leave some larger pieces for texture if preferred.
Stir in the maple syrup (or honey), chia seeds, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until everything is well combined.
Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the moisture and help thicken the jam.
If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture briefly using a hand blender.
Taste and adjust sweetness if needed, adding more maple syrup or honey if desired.
Transfer the jam to a clean jar or airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

Serve the jam in small jars with a sprig of mint on top for a fresh touch. Pair with toast, yogurt, or use it as a topping for pancakes!

Keyword berries, chia seeds, jam, quick recipe