Raspberry Chia Jam

No need for fancy canning equipment or hard-to-find ingredients, chia seed jam can be made with just a handful of ingredients that you probably have in your house right now. You’ll just need to pick up some pretty, in-season fruit for the most flavorful jam. How does it work? When introduced to liquid, chia seeds plump up several times their size and form a gelatinous coating. Add a few scoops of chia seeds to a bowl with liquid and you’ll get a spoonable, jam-like consistency in just a few minutes. Magic!

Chia jam has a more spreadable, loose consistency than store-bought jelly. It makes a tasty oatmeal topper for an easy breakfast, a sweet stir-in for yogurt or a delicious layer in a classic PB&J. You can even spoon it over ice cream for a refreshing fruit dessert. If you’re looking for easy ideas on how to meal prep, a container of homemade chia jam sets you up for some sweetness all week!

Plus, the mighty seed is a total superfood. Chia seeds are a great source of fiber, minerals and plant based omega-3 fatty acids, making this a nutritious alternative to your average jar of jelly.

How to make chia seed jam

Unlike regular jam, where fruit and sugar are boiled together until a gel-like mixture forms (sometimes pectin is added to help achieve the right consistency), chia jam starts with heating the fruit in a saucepan until it breaks down into a syrupy consistency. This only takes about 8 minutes. Off heat, add a sweetener (we love maple syrup) and the chia seeds and let them get to work while you sit back. Over the course of about 20 minutes, you’ll have a thickened, jammy treat.

This recipe calls for 2 cups of raspberries per 2 tablespoons of chia seeds, but feel free to use this ratio and experiment with other types of fruits. Blueberries or chopped strawberries would be delicious, just adjust the sweetness accordingly.