Description
This Strawberry Chia Jam is a naturally sweetened, no refined sugar jam recipe that combines fresh strawberries, pure maple syrup, lemon juice, and nutrient-packed chia seeds. It offers a healthy alternative to traditional jams and is easy to prepare on the stovetop in under 20 minutes, perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or using as a dessert filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 450 g fresh strawberries (or frozen)
- 50 ml pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 25 g chia seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Strawberries: If using fresh strawberries, wash them thoroughly, remove the stems, and hull them. Then slice the strawberries into quarters to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Strawberries: In a saucepan, combine the sliced strawberries, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once boiling and bubbling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to encourage the strawberries to break down.
- Add Chia Seeds: When the strawberries have softened and broken down, remove the saucepan from the heat. Whisk in the chia seeds thoroughly. Let the mixture cool for 10-12 minutes, stirring often to distribute the chia seeds evenly and prevent clumping.
- Store the Jam: Transfer the chia jam into an airtight jar or container. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks; the jam will thicken as it cools. For longer storage, freeze the jam in suitable containers or ice cube trays for up to a couple of months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Serve: Enjoy the strawberry chia jam as you would traditional jam—spread it on crusty bread, toast, oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or use it as a filling for cupcakes and cakes.
Notes
- You can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not available; thaw them before cooking.
- The jam thickens further upon cooling due to the gelatinizing effect of the chia seeds.
- Maple syrup can be substituted with honey or agave nectar if preferred.
- Store the jam in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
- This jam contains no refined sugars, making it a healthier alternative to store-bought jams.
