Chia Seed Jam 5 Ways

Chia Seed Jam 5 Ways

Chia seeds are an amazing ingredient. Because they hold over 10 times their weight in moisture, when they’re placed in a liquid they soak it up and become gelatinous. When chia seeds are mixed with frozen fruit that has released its juices, they thicken into a chia jam packed with fiber, heart-healthy fats and other nutrients. 

Chia jam has two main ingredients: fruit and chia seeds. For the fruit, choose anything juicy. Berries are an excellent choice, as are mango and pitted cherries. Frozen fruit works particularly well for chia jam because it releases juices as it defrosts. Chia seeds can be found in white or black. They both taste the same and have the same nutritional value. White chia seeds can look more appealing in some recipes, especially for a person trying chia seeds for the first time.

Traditional jams contain added sugar, and some chia jams do too. For a sweeter chia jam, add a splash of maple syrup or honey.

Base recipe:

Heat 2 heaping cups frozen fruit in a small pot over medium heat. As the fruit starts to bubble, press it against the side of the pot with a metal spoon or mash it with a potato masher (depending on the kind of fruit you choose). Press or mash the fruit more for a smooth jam, less so for a chunky jam. Continue to cook until the fruit has reached a thick, gooey consistency. Remove the pot from heat. Stir in 2 Tb chia seeds. Allow the jam to sit for at least 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes.

Flavor ideas:
1. Raspberries + grated fresh ginger
2. Strawberries + vanilla extract
3. Mango + lime juice and zest
4. Pitted cherries + lemon juice and zest
5. Blueberries + ground cinnamon

Chia jam can be enjoyed in many ways, but here are some favorite pairings: yogurt parfait, oatmeal or overnight oats, whole grain toast with nut or seed butter and whole grain baked goods (waffles, pancakes, muffins, scones).