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This Homemade Blueberry Jam with Chia Seeds is a low-sugar alternative that's full of health benefits. Plus, it's perfect for making quick batches using frozen blueberries!
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Whether spread on toast, topped on overnight oats or added to healthy homemade sweets, this quick and easy Chia Jam offers a delicious touch to breakfasts, snacks and desserts.
Is Blueberry Jam Healthy?
Not all jams are created equal. Some contain high amounts of sugars and preservatives. This homemade Blueberry Chia Jam uses healthy whole-food ingredients that are high in fibre, low in sugar and full of vitamins and minerals.
Health Benefits
Antioxidant-rich. Blueberries are an incredibly rich source of antioxidants. First, they contain a particularly powerful antioxidant compounds called anthocyanins. Regular intake of these has been linked to lowered risk of heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes, cognitive decline and inflammation. Blueberries also contain vitamins A, C, E and zinc, which work together as a powerful team of antioxidants.
Excellent source of fibre. Both blueberries and chia seeds are great sources of soluble and insoluble fibre, making them an excellent combination for gut health, heart health and skin health.
Protein-rich. Chia seeds contain a robust amino acid profile, making them a great source of plant protein.
Excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Chia seeds are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids. So, this jam is an excellent food choice for brain health.
Vitamin and mineral-rich. Blueberries are especially rich in vitamin C. One cup of raw blueberries contains 25% of the recommended daily value. However, they are also a great source of vitamin K, potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Seasonal Benefits
Winter is a great time to make small batches of this jam with frozen blueberries. You can add a touch of cinnamon or ginger to create a warming effect.
Spring is a wonderful time to enjoy the tartness of this jam since the natural sour flavour can stimulate our digestive and detoxification systems. This can be especially helpful after a long winter full of comfort foods.
Summer is perfect for making this jam with fresh blueberries!
How to Make Blueberry Chia Jam
If you're looking for a quick and easy way to make jam, this Blueberry Chia Jam is just the ticket! It only requires about thirty minutes of hands-on time and four simple ingredients.
Plus, this is a small-batch recipe. So, it can be kept in the fridge or served right away. There’s no canning required.
This also makes it the perfect recipe for using frozen blueberries or small baskets from the market.
What You Will Need
Making homemade Blueberry Jam with chia seeds and no refined sugar doesn't require much! All you need is a handful of ingredients and some everyday kitchen items.
Equipment
- Stove - This recipe requires the heat of a stove.
- Small - Medium Saucepan - A small pot will be needed to simmer the blueberries.
- Wooden spoon - A non-metal spoon will be needed to crush the blueberries and mix the ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons - To measure the ingredients accurately, use measuring cups and spoons.
- Sealable glass jar - If you will be storing your jam in the refrigerator, a tightly sealed glass jar is best.
Ingredients
- Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used for this small-batch jam. I love using wild blueberries for this recipe. However, homegrown and organic work great too!
- Chia Seeds are required to thicken this pectin-free jam.
- 100% Pure Maple Syrup counteracts the tartness, giving this blueberry jam a touch of sweetness.
- Lemon Juice acts as a natural preservative. Plus, it adds an extra splash of natural flavour and vitamin C.
Step 1: Rinse
Place the blueberries in a colander and rinse under cool water.
If you're using frozen blueberries that have a lot of ice buildup, continue rinsing until it melts away. This will prevent your jam from becoming too watery.
Step 2: Simmer
Place the blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stirring frequently, bring the blueberries to a bubble (about 15 minutes). Turn down the heat and continue to simmer for another 10 - 15 minutes.
Stir consistently to prevent sticking and assist in mashing down the blueberries.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the blueberries are nearly all mashed down, stir in the remaining ingredients. Remove from the heat and transfer to a clean jar to cool. The chia seeds will continue to thicken this jam as it cools.
Step 4: Cool & Set
For best results, allow your jam to thicken for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you are not using your jam right away, allow it to cool before placing it in the refrigerator.
Substitutions & Variations
Mixed berries can be used in place of blueberries.
Sweeten with raw honey instead of maple syrup by replacing equal amounts.
My Top Tips
Simmer blueberries first. I find simmering the blueberries before adding any other ingredients gives this jam a more consistent texture. It also prevents the maple syrup and chia seeds from being overheated, which better preserves their nutritional value.
Stir often. To prevent sticking or burning, make sure to stir often while simmering.
Give it time to set. Give your chia jam at least 10-15 minutes to set. This allows the chia seeds to work their thickening magic.
Use wild blueberries. Since they are smaller and quickly simmer down into a smoother jam, I love using wild blueberries for this recipe.
How to Store Blueberry Chia Jam
This jam is not ideal for canning and is intended for small batches. It will need to be refrigerated, where an unopened jar can last up to 2 months. Opened jars should be consumed within 2 - 3 weeks.
FAQs
If well sealed, an unopened jar of this Blueberry Chia Jam can last up to 2 months in the fridge. Opened jars should be consumed within 2 - 3 weeks.
I like to add the chia seeds to jam once the fruit has simmered for at least 10 minutes and is nearly all mashed down. I find it gives a more even consistency and prevents the chia seeds from being overheated, preserving more of their nutrients.
Yes! Chia seeds are a great way to thicken jam without pectin. They release a natural mucilage that acts as a thickening agent.
Yes! For this jam, you can use frozen or fresh blueberries. If your frozen blueberries have a lot of ice build-up, place them in a colander and rinse them under cool water until it melts away. This will prevent your jam from becoming too watery.
Unfortunately, chia seeds aren't ideal for canning. Their low pH level can create unsafe conditions for water bath canning. However, If tightly sealed, an unopened jar of chia seed jam can last up to 2 months in the fridge.
Recipe Highlights
Nutrient-Dense. Full of protein, fibre, beneficial fats, minerals and antioxidants, this Overnight Chia Pudding makes a healthy, nutrient-rich breakfast or snack.
Beneficial to Brain Health. Rich in Omega-3 Fatty acids, amino acids, antioxidants and minerals, this Blue Chia Pudding is a delicious food that can support brain health.
Gut-Loving. Chia seeds have a gentle yet powerful cleansing effect on the colon, making them great for maintaining gut health.
Low Sugar. With only 1 teaspoon of 100% pure maple syrup and 2 main ingredients that are slower to spike blood sugar, this jam is suitable for low-sugar diets.
Skin-Loving. Between the antioxidants, skin-loving nutrients and low sugar, this jam is an excellent food for skin health.
More Breakfast Recipes
If you try this Homemade Blueberry Jam with Chia Seeds, let me know how it turns out by leaving a comment and rating below. Also, make sure you're following along on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Flipboard for more wildly nutritious recipes!
Homemade Blueberry Jam with Chia Seeds (No Refined Sugar)
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 cup Wild Blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 - 2 teaspoon 100% Pure Maple Syrup (depending on how sweet or tart you like your jam)
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- 1 tablespoon Chia Seeds
Instructions
- Place the blueberries in a colander and rinse under cool water. If you're using frozen blueberries with a lot of ice buildup, keep running them underwater until they melt away. This will prevent your jam from becoming too watery.
- Place the blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stirring frequently, bring the blueberries to a bubble (about 15 minutes). Turn down the heat and continue to simmer for another 10 - 15 minutes.Stir consistently to prevent sticking and assist in mashing down the blueberries.
- Once the blueberries are nearly all mashed down, stir in the remaining ingredients. Remove from the heat and transfer to a clean jar to cool. The chia seeds will continue to thicken this jam as it cools.
- For best results, allow your jam to thicken for at least 20 minutes before serving. If you are not using your jam right away, allow it to cool before placing it in the refrigerator.
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