Simple Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Chia seed jam is a simple alternative to many store bough jams. This jam can be made with 4 plant-based ingredients in about 15 minutes. You probably already have all of the ingredients on hand to make this simple delicious strawberry chia seed jam.

The fun thing about this jam other than it being simple to make, is that it can be customize with any berry of your choice. This jam has been kid-approved, so it is a huge hit in our home. This is also mom-approved because it is not loaded with sugars and other preservatives.

So let’s get started….

Got Berries? Decide what berries you want to use. This is the fun part. You can use one type of berry or mix it up with several. This time I am only using strawberries. Berries make great chia seed jam because of it’s high water content. I like using fresh but frozen will work just as fine…just keep in mind it may take a little longer.

So let’s make the Strawberry Chia Jam

Alright you have decided on what berries you are going to use. Let’s add the berries in a sauce pan. Optional: I like to cut up my strawberries (this helps them cook faster). With strawberries you do not need to add any liquid. With other berries such as blueberries or blackberries you may need to a small amount of water to get the process started.

You are going to allow the strawberries to simmer for 8-10 minutes until the strawberries break down and release it’s liquid. During this time stir occasionally to ensure no sticking. You can also mash the berries to help speed up the process.

At this point I would taste my strawberry chia jam to see if I’m ok with how sweet it is. If not this is where I would add a 1 tablespoon of Maple Syrup to my Strawberry Chia Jam.

Now let’s remove the berries from the heat and add the chia seeds. Stirring the chia seeds and strawberries together. The chia seeds are what’s going to help thicken the jam. Chia seeds are great as a thickening agent but they also have may other health benefits. Chia seeds are a great source for fiber and Omega-3. The more chia seeds you add, the thicker the jam will be.

Tip: If you don’t like the texture of whole chia seeds, you can ground them up and then add them for a better consistency.

Ok..so next we just need a squeeze of lime. So cut the lime in half and give the mixture a good squeeze. The lime will help bring the flavor of the berries out. Note: You can use a squeeze of lemon instead of a lime.

So you just made Strawberry Chia Jam… see simple.

Because I like a smoother jam I add a step at the end. I blend it for a few seconds. This step is totally optional.

You will need to let this cool before using and it takes a few to thicken. I like to put my Strawberry Chia Jam in mason jars and straight to the fridge. Once you are ready to have a piece of toast or warm buttermilk biscuit in the morning it will be just right.

The Strawberry Chia Jam can last up to 10 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to freeze any additional jam.

You know what this jam is great in overnight oats as well.

If you make this recipe… please let me know!