Chia Seed Jam

A quick & tasty way to use sweet Summertime berries!

Prep & Cooking: 20 minutes + cooling time
Makes: 1/2-3/4 cup

Main Ingredients:
1 cup fresh or frozen berries – raspberries, blackberries and strawberries, or a combination
*if you are using fresh strawberries cut into quarters or smaller, before heating
*frozen berries often produce more liquid than fresh when heated, you may need to add a tablespoon of water or juice to fresh berries to create more liquid
*see photos below for the results using different fruit, frozen mixed berries and fresh strawberries
1 tbsp chia seeds
1 tbsp liquid sweetener of your choice -maple syrup or agave nectar nectar work well
Zest of 1/2 lemon or orange or about 1/2 tbsp
 
Method:
In a medium sized saucepan over medium-low heat, combine fruit and sweetener. Let simmer, stirring occasionally until fruit becomes soft, about 5-7 minutes. Using a small potato masher, back of a fork or wooden spoon, mash some, or all of the soft fruit depending on the desired texture of the finished jam.
 
Add chia seeds and continue to simmer on low heat, stirring continuously until fruit mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
 
Remove hot jam mixture from heat and stir in citrus zest.
Allow mixture to cool completely and transfer to a lidded glass jar.
 
Tips & Variations:

• Keep this jam in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, spread it on toast or use as a dessert topping
• for a warmer spiced jam, add 1 tsp of grated fresh ginger after the mixture if removed from the heat, before jam is poured into a storage jar
• This jam is great for gifting, be sure to keep it refrigerated until you are ready to give
• Easily doubled or tripled, make as much or as little as you like!