This blackberry chia jam is full of healthy fruit, with a dash of maple syrup for extra sweetness. It's the easy alternative to more complicated jam recipe and comes together very quickly. Perfect on toast or rice cakes for breakfast, or as a snack, it is vegan, gluten free and a low histamine jam.
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What is chia jam?
Chia seed jam comprises chia seeds and a fruit of your choice. The fruit is heated until it releases its juices and breaks down into a syrupy liquid. Then you add the chia seeds, give it a good stir and set aside for around ten minutes. The chia seeds absorb the fruit juices and expand, giving you a lovely thick jam.
I always think of chia seed jam as the 'easy' jam to make. It doesn't require thermometers, lots of time or a ton of steps, and you can whip up a batch in less than half an hour to spread on your toast or rice cakes. Chia seed jam can also be made without adding any extra sugar (maple syrup is optional for this recipe).
Ingredients
This is a four ingredient jam, although if you prefer to do all blackberries it becomes a three ingredient recipe! You will need:
- Blackberries: pick your own if they are in season, or get from the store. Make sure they are nice and plump for extra juiciness. And if you pick your own, then definitely wash well and check for bugs . . .
- Blueberries: these are optional. You can either do all blackberries or a mix with blueberries.
- Chia seeds: these little seeds absorb the fruit juices and swell up to become gelatinous in consistency and so form the chia seed jam. I like the Terrasoul organic chia seeds.
- Maple syrup: for a touch of extra sweetness.
Variations on the recipe
You can have all blackberries for this jam, or combine with blueberries too.
The maple syrup is optional, but will add some sweetness to the jam. But simply leave out if you prefer.
If you don't follow a low histamine diet, then you may like to add a little lemon juice to the jam as well.
Step by step instructions
This chia jam is very simple to make, and requires just a few steps.
Steps 1-2
Add the fruit and maple syrup to a pan and heat on low (I have it on as low as it can be) for 5-6 minutes so the fruit breaks down and becomes syrupy. You can press it against the side of the pan with a spoon to help it along.
Step 3
Turn the heat off and add the chia seeds.
Step 4
Stir very thoroughly so the chia seeds are all combined with the fruit mixture. Set aside for at least ten minutes so the chia seeds have time to absorb the fruit juices and swell in size to form your jam.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, absolutely. Just leave out the maple syrup.
Yes, you can use frozen fruit and I have done so many times. You may need to add a touch of water to the pan at the beginning.
Chia seed jam feels a little healthier to me than regular jam as it can simply be fruit and chia seeds. The chia seeds will give you plant-based protein too. But if you love (and tolerate) regular jam, then it always a nice treat!
How to serve
Chia seed jam can be used in a variety of different ways, both for breakfast and as a snack:
- Spread on toast (if you tolerate bread) or on rice cakes for a quick breakfast or mid-afternoon snack.
- Use as a topping for porridge - perfect on a cold winter day.
- Use as a 'dip' for fruit or sweet crackers (or even a cookie maybe!).
More sweet dips and jam to enjoy:
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Recipe
Blackberry chia jam
Ingredients
- 1.5 tablespoon chia seeds or 2 tablespoon for a thicker jam
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Add the fruit and maple syrup to a pan and heat on low for 5-6 minutes or until the fruit has broken down and released its juices. You may wish to help it along by pressing the fruit against the side of the pan with a spoon.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the chia seeds. If it seems too thick then add a touch of water. Set aside to thicken for at least ten minutes.
- Then enjoy!
Notes
- Cook down the fruit so that it has at least half dissolved into a liquid.
- You can use all blackberries or a mix of blackberries and blueberries.
- If you like a very thick jam, then you can use 2 tablespoon of chia seeds.
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