Get ready to indulge in a burst of natural flavors and plant-based goodness with this easy and simple blueberry chia jam.
What's more, this jam is free of added refined sugar, making it a healthier and guilt-free choice for spreading over a slice of your favorite fruit loaf cake, pancakes, or scones.
The best part? You can whip up a pot of this deliciousness in just 20 minutes.
And why not take your breakfast game to the next level by adding a dollop of blueberry chia jam to a traditional bowl of Scottish porridge? It's an incredible and warming breakfast treat, especially on those chilly, dark mornings.
What are chia seeds?
Chia seeds are tiny seeds from the plant Salvia hispanica, which belongs to the mint family. These seeds were a staple food in the diets of ancient Aztecs and Mayans and have been used as a source of energy for centuries.
Chia seeds are typically black or white and can be eaten whole or ground. They have a mild, nutty flavor and are often added to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or used as a topping for salads or baked goods.
Why chia seeds for jam?
It's not conventional using chia seeds for jam but when a quick fruity jam is required then chia seeds are the perfect choice.
Chia seeds work wonders in thickening up this blueberry chia jam. To enhance the natural sweetness of the blueberries, we've used maple syrup, a perfect complement to this plant-based hero loaded with goodness.
If you're looking to reduce your sugar intake, other syrups such as date or agave could be used. Alternatively, you can try using coconut, date, or even your usual sugar.
Chia jams are a perfect choice for those who love sweet fruity jam but want to cut back on sugar. Combined with the goodness of blueberries and the natural sweetness of maple syrup, you won't miss the refined sugar one bit.
Are chia seeds nutritious?
Chia seeds are a nutritional powerhouse, packed with fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. These tiny seeds also have the ability to absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, which can help you stay hydrated and full for longer periods.
Recent studies have shown that chia seeds can help reduce inflammation and lower cholesterol levels in the blood. Another study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that chia seeds may help improve exercise performance and recovery. With so many benefits, it's no wonder chia seeds have become a popular superfood.
Frozen blueberries are ideal for preparing a batch of chia jam. So convenient and can be more frugal compared to buying fresh blueberries. Although do look out for reduced fresh blueberries in your local store, even extra squishy blueberries are ideal for jam!
Can any fruit be used for quick home-made chia jam?
While blueberries are perfect for making chia jam, you can actually use any type of fruit you like. Just add roughly a tablespoon of chia seeds for each cup of fruit, and you're good to go. Frozen fruits are often cheaper than fresh ones, especially when they're out of season, making them an ideal choice for preparing a homemade batch of chia jam.
If your fruit is not giving up its juices easily, you can add a little bit of water or fruit juice to help it along. And don't be afraid to experiment with the amount of maple syrup or other sweetener you use. Some fruits are naturally so sweet that they may not require any added syrup at all, which is even better for your health.
Recipe Notes
Storage
To keep your blueberry chia jam fresh, store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. Please note that, since this recipe doesn't contain added refined sugar, which acts as a preservative, it cannot be preserved for long-term use. Enjoy it while it's fresh and flavorful!
* Add a dollop of blueberry chia jam to a bowl of traditional Scottish porridge or oatmeal for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
*Use it as a topping for Bircher muesli or overnight oats for an extra burst of flavor and sweetness.
* Mix it through plant-based yogurt or vegan ice cream to add a fruity twist to your favorite desserts.
* Add a tablespoon of jam to your smoothies and milkshakes for a quick and easy snack.
* Spread it on this impressive vegan Victoria sponge cake for a delightful twist on a classic dessert.
* Top these traditional Scottish oatcakes with a scoop of blueberry jam for a delicious snack. For an oil-free oatcake, check out our visitor favourite easy recipe.
* Enjoy a peanut butter and jelly (jam) sandwich, a favorite among kids and perfect for picnics.
* Add a dollop to dress up tasty vegan pancakes, crepes, and crumpets for a perfect breakfast or brunch.
* Use it as a filling for vegan jam tarts for a sweet teatime treat.
* These vintage treacle scones are perfect with a dollop of blueberry chia jam. Enjoy the scones and jam as part of a traditional English afternoon tea spread.
* Love traditional British creamy milky puddings? Home-made rice pudding, classic semolina pudding, and old-fashioned sweet barley pudding are especially tasty when accompanied with a tasty dollop of fruit jam.
Recipe
Blueberry chia Jam
Equipment
- Saucepan
- small jam jar/mason jar/Kilmer jar with lid
Ingredients
- 260 grams fresh or frozen blueberries
- 2 tablespoon chia seeds
- 2 tablespoon maple syrup
Instructions
- Place the blueberries in a medium saucepan.260 grams fresh or frozen blueberries
- Add the maple syrup and bring to a boil over a medium-high heat.2 tablespoon maple syrup
- Turn heat down to low-medium and simmer the blueberries for about 5-8 minutes.
- While simmering press the blueberries with the back of a spoon, a few times, to help them release their juices.
- Add the chia seeds and mix well.Simmer for another 2 minutes, stir frequently as it thickens.2 tablespoon chia seeds
- Leave to cool for about 15-20 minutes before scraping into your sterilized jar.
- Chia jam will thicken more as it cools. When cool, pop a lid over the jar, and store in the fridge.
Notes
- Please note that the nutritional information provided is for guidance only and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- To store your blueberry chia jam, keep it refrigerated in a clean jam or preserve jar or other covered container. It should keep well for up to 5-7 days.
- Enjoy your delicious blueberry chia jam with a range of baked goods, such as scones, pancakes, crumpets, bread, tea bread, or fruit cake. It also makes a great topping for vegan ice cream or stirred through overnight oats.
- For a warm and comforting breakfast, try adding a few tablespoons of blueberry chia jam to a bowl of hot porridge or oatmeal. The jam's natural sweetness and the warmth of the oats make for a particularly satisfying combination.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with the recipe and try it out with different fruits or sweeteners. Once you've found your favorite combination, you can enjoy this healthy and tasty jam any time of day!
Nutrition
Thanks for visiting our family recipe blog!
I do hope you enjoyed this easy and quick blueberry chia jam recipe as much as we do.
If you try it out, please let us know in the comments below how it turned out for you.
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Love, Jacq x
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