Once I started making my own homemade jam, I never went back! It is so simple and I love that you can tailor the sweetness to your own taste preference.
Benefits of making your own homemade jam vs. buying storebought
- It is totally customizable. I have tried everything from berries to peaches! You can also mix your favorites (ie. blueberries and strawberries or raspberries and blackberries— you get the idea!)
- there are no weird and/or unnecessary ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, large amounts of sugar, gums/emulsifiers, thickeners such as pectin, citric acid, etc.
- you can choose which sweetener (if any) you use. I love adding a splash of maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. You could also use monk fruit or leave the sweetener out completely.
- It comes together in about five minutes and you can make a batch for the entire week at once!
- This homemade chia jam contains chia seeds which adds a good amount of fiber to keep you full for longer and to help balance blood sugar.
How to enjoy Homemade Chia Jam
- On peanut butter and jelly sandwiches… a healthier version of the classic!
- Topping for toast or Sweet Potato Toast
- Add to yogurt bowls
- Add to oatmeal!
- In my PB&J Baked Oatmeal recipe
- On rice cakes with almond butter and banana slices
- I have even snuck some into a strawberry vinaigrette salad dressing!
Homemade Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 1-2 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen works)
- 2 tsp chia seeds
- 1 tbsp sweetener of choice (see above for recommendations)
Instructions
- Heat berries over low heat until they start to soften (2-4 minutes).
- Mash berries using a fork or potato masher.
- Add in chia seeds and sweetener and stir. Continue to stir for 2-4 minutes.
- Set in fridge for at least 1 hour to thicken before enjoying.