I'm so excited to share a delightful recipe for Strawberry Chia Seed Jam that’s not only easy to make but also bursting with flavor. This jam is perfect for spreading on our whole wheat bagel, drizzling over our 5-minute soy yogurt, or simply adding a spoonful to your morning bowl of porridge or oatmeal. Whether you have fresh strawberries or frozen ones, this recipe is a great way to capture the taste of summer year-round.
What you need to make this Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
- Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- Maple syrup (or homemade date syrup)
- Lemon juice
- Chia seeds
Nutritionally, strawberries and lemon juice are a great source of Vitamin C. The chia seeds give this jam an omega 3 ALA boost to whatever you're putting this jam on. Overall, these ingredients give this jam more fiber and nutrients than the commercial store-bought varieties.
How to Prepare
This recipe can be made in under 20 minutes on the stovetop. You'll get approximately two cups of jam, which stores wonderfully in mason jars.
1. Cook the Strawberries
Start by placing your chopped strawberries in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. If you're using frozen strawberries, there's no need to thaw them first; they’ll break down beautifully as they heat up. Add a tablespoon or two of water to the fresh strawberries to help them cook down.
2. Mash the Berries
As the strawberries begin to cook down, they will release their juices. After about 5-7 minutes, use a potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier jam, mash less, for a smoother texture, mash more.
3. Add Chia Seeds, Maple (or Date) Syrup and Lemon Juice
Once you’ve achieved your preferred consistency, it’s time to add the maple or homemade date syrup and chia seeds. Stir in maple or date syrup, lemon juice, and chia seeds. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam while adding a pleasant texture.
4. Cook a Little Longer
Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it thickening as the chia seeds absorb the liquid. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Cool and Store this Homemade Fruit Jam
Once your jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight container, like a mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator. It will last 7 to 10 days, but I doubt it will last that long because it's so yummy!
This Strawberry Chia Jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast or a whole wheat bagel. Swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a topping for our vegan banana oat pancakes, banana oatmeal waffle recipe (switch out the blueberries), or low-fat soy yogurt.
Tips for Success
- Storage: Make sure to use a clean, airtight container to prolong freshness. Keep it refrigerated.
- For Extra Lemony Goodness: Add in a pinch of lemon zest to enhance the lemon flavor.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with other fruits or add spices like cinnamon, ginger, or clove for an extra flavor kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Frozen strawberries work perfectly in this recipe. Just toss them into the pot without thawing, and they will break down beautifully as they cook.
The jam will keep for about 7- 10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, it tastes so good that it might not last that long! If you want longer storage, you'll need to process the jars in a water bath before sealing them. If you're interested in this, check out this article on how to store homemade jam for an extended shelf life.
Absolutely! While the recipe uses maple syrup, you can also use homemade date syrup.
Yes, you can easily double the recipe! Just make sure to use a larger pot to accommodate the increased amount.
Definitely! Feel free to mix in other berries, such as blueberries or raspberries, or add spices like cinnamon for a unique twist.
Yes, you can freeze the jam! Store it in an airtight container or freezer-safe jar, and it should last for several months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using.
We hope you enjoy this Strawberry Chia Jam as much as we do. If you try it, be sure to let us know how it turned out! Please rate and leave a comment below. It helps us more than you know. If you're on Instagram, be sure to share and tag us @danielsplaterecipes so we can see your creation!
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Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Whether you have fresh strawberries or frozen ones, this 4-ingredient strawberry chia seed jam recipe is a great way to capture the taste of summer year-round.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
- 1 to 2 Tablespoons pure maple syrup (or 2 to 3 Tablespoons homemade date syrup)
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
1. Cook the Strawberries
Start by placing your chopped strawberries in a medium-sized pot over medium heat. If you're using frozen strawberries, there's no need to thaw them first; they’ll break down beautifully as they heat up. Add a tablespoon or two of water to the fresh strawberries to help them cook down.
2. Mash the Berries
As the strawberries begin to cook down, they will release their juices. After about 5-7 minutes, use a potato masher to mash the berries to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier jam, mash less, for a smoother texture, mash more.
3. Add Chia Seeds, Maple (or Date) Syrup, and Lemon Juice
Once you’ve achieved your preferred consistency, it’s time to add the maple or homemade date syrup and chia seeds. Stir in maple or date syrup, lemon juice, and chia seeds. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam while adding a pleasant texture.
4. Cook a Little Longer
Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice it thickening as the chia seeds absorb the liquid. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot.
5. Cool and Store
Once your jam has reached the desired thickness, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Once cooled, transfer the jam to an airtight container, like a mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator. It will last 7 to 10 days, but I doubt it will last that long because it's so yummy!
This Strawberry Chia Jam is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast or a whole wheat bagel. Swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a topping for our vegan banana oat pancakes, banana oatmeal waffle recipe (switch out the blueberries), or low-fat soy yogurt.
Notes
EQUIPMENT / SUPPLIES
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Small or medium pot
- Potato masher
- Air-tight container (mason jar) for storage
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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