Strawberry Chia Jam
If you love homemade strawberry jam but don’t want to fuss with pectin, lots of sugar or complicated canning, this Strawberry Chia Jam is for you. It takes just a few simple ingredients and comes together quickly on the stovetop.Chia seeds naturally thicken the jam as it cooks and cools, while fresh strawberries provide plenty of flavour and natural sweetness. It’s delicious spread on toast, spooned over oatmeal or stirred into yogurt, and it’s a great way to enjoy summer strawberries a little longer. Try it with other berries or fruit, too, the possibilities are endless!
Servings 8
Ingredients
- 2 cups Strawberries
- 1 tbsp Maple Syrup
- 2 tbsps Chia Seeds
Instructions
- Trim the stems from the strawberries and cut them in half. Place the strawberries and maple syrup in a blender or food processor and pulse until you reach your preferred consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or blend until smooth.
- Transfer the strawberry mixture to a saucepan and stir in the chia seeds. Place over medium heat and bring to a gentle bubble, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to thicken.
- Remove from the heat and let cool. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Freeze for longer storage.
Notes
Adjust the sweetness
Since strawberries can vary quite a bit in sweetness, taste the mixture before cooking and add a little more maple syrup if needed. You could also leave it unsweetened if the berries are particularly sweet.
Get creative
Try different combinations, such as strawberry-rhubarb or strawberry-peach. You can also experiment with other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries or blackberries.
Too thick?
Stir in a tablespoon or two of water after cooking to reach your preferred consistency.
Using frozen strawberries
Frozen strawberries work well and are especially handy when fresh local berries aren't available. Thaw them first and drain off excess liquid if they're particularly watery.
Chia seed tip
White or black chia seeds work equally well in this recipe. White chia seeds are a nice option if you prefer a more traditional-looking jam, as they blend in with the strawberries.
Flavour boost
A splash of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavour and adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the strawberries. Start with 1–2 teaspoons and adjust to taste.
Storage tip
If freezing in a glass jar, leave at least 1 inch of space at the top to allow room for expansion. Otherwise, the jar may crack or shatter.