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What if I told you it takes 10 minutes to make a healthy, homemade Blueberry Chia Jam? No preservatives. No refined sugar. No ingredients you can’t pronounce.
Just pure, wholesome blueberry jam with chia seeds.
This Blueberry Chia Jam recipe is as beautiful as it is delicious. Unlike traditional jams packed with refined sugars and preservatives, this homemade version is naturally sweetened and bursting with flavor.
The Case for Homemade Jams
Aside from the obvious—healthy homemade jam is too easy not to make at home—here are a few reasons I encourage you to make your own jam instead of buying it.
- Control—When you make your own jam, you control what goes in it. This means you can feed your family more of what’s good for them. Choose fresh, organic fruits and natural sweeteners. Avoid additives and preservatives. Control the flavor and adapt according to your specific culinary needs or taste preferences.
- Customization—Homemade jam recipes like this Blueberry Chia Jam can be adjusted based on texture, sweetness and flavor.
- Cost-Effectiveness—When you make homemade jams using seasonal or homegrown fruits and pantry ingredients like chia seeds you’re ultimately getting more value for a product that can add up (especially if you’re buying jams that are marketed as healthy or organic).
The Ingredients
- Frozen blueberries
- Chia seeds
- Pure vanilla extract
- Cinnamon
- Maple syrup or raw, unfiltered honey
How to Make Blueberry Chia Jam
Step 1. Cook down the blueberries.
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the blueberries are warmed through and softened.
Step 2. Prepare the jam.
Turn off the stove and remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon and maple syrup or honey to the blueberry mixture and use a potato masher to smooth the jam to your desired consistency.
Stir in the chia seeds and allow the jam to cool completely.
More Healthy Recipes
How to Store Blueberry Jam with Chia Seeds
Once the jam has completely cooled, store it in a mason jar or airtight container for 10-14 days. The natural preservative properties of chia seeds help extend the shelf life of the jam without the need for additives. Just be sure the jam is cooled completely before transferring it to storage.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Blueberry Chia Jam
This jam is delicious and so fresh. Here are some great ways to enjoy it!
- As a spread—Over toast, pancakes, bagels, English muffins, crackers, on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
- As a topping—Swirl it into oatmeal or nonfat Greek yogurt for a fresh take on your breakfast.
- For charcuterie—This Blueberry Chia Jam pairs beautifully with goat cheese and crackers or as an accompaniment on a charcuterie board alongside your favorite cheeses and accoutrements.
- In smoothies—Give your morning smoothie or shake a burst of berry goodness by adding a dollop of jam before you blend.
Blueberry Chia Jam FAQs
Can I use fresh blueberries for this recipe?
Certainly! Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used in this chia jam recipe.
Can I substitute chia seeds for another thickener?
Chia seeds are a key component of Blueberry Chia Jam, and so I can’t recommend a replacement for chia seeds in this recipe.
Are chia seeds and pectin different?
Pectin and chia seeds are both natural thickeners but they have notable differences in terms of texture and preparation. Chia seeds absorb liquid and enlarge or swell when mixed with fruit, creating a spreadable consistency that eliminates the need for sugar and pectin. Pectin is a soluble fiber that is often added to fruit mixtures along with sugar and acid to achieve the desired jam consistency.
Is Blueberry Chia Jam healthy?
Yes! This recipe is free of refined sugar, preservatives, additives and other artificial ingredients. Blueberries and chia seeds are rich in nutrients, including fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, omega-3 fatty acids and proteins. Using a touch of pure maple syrup or raw, unfiltered honey makes this gluten-free jam recipe suitable for those watching their intake of refined or added sugar.
Blueberry Chia Jam
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Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey optional
Instructions
- Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the frozen blueberries and 1/4 cup of water. Simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes, until the blueberries are warmed through and softened.
- Turn off the stove and remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon and maple syrup or honey to the blueberry mixture and use a potato masher to smooth the jam to your desired consistency.
- Stir in the chia seeds and allow the jam to cool completely.
- Store in a mason jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
