If you have lots of raspberries you need to use up try this fabulous, healthy jam recipe. Chia seeds are a great way to thicken berry jams. When making fruit jam with chia seeds, the seeds do all the work. Instead of cooking fruit down, relying on pectin, and then tons of sugar to help it set, all we need to do is mash up the fruit over a low heat with a few tablespoons of chia seeds. Within a few minutes, the chia seeds will absorb the fruit juices and thicken it to a jammy consistency.
If your fruit is very tart then you can use a little xylitol to sweeten the jam but I often find it is not needed. If you don’t have fresh berries you can also make use of frozen bags and if you want it sweeter try adding some frozen pitted cherries to the mixture. The chia not only thickens the jam but provides plenty of soluble fibre, omega 3 fats and minerals like calcium and magnesium. Store this in the fridge or it can be frozen in batches. I love this served with paleo blinis or topped on paleo bread
Overview
Difficulty – easy
Time – 5 minutes
Makes enough for 1 jar. You can freeze this too for 3 months.
What’s good about it?
Making your own sugar free jam is so much healthier than shop bought options. Chia seeds providing some protein, soluble fibre and omega 3 fats as well.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place all of the ingredients in a small pan and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to thicken. Mash down the fruit with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You may need to add a little more water if the mixture is too dry.
- For a smoother texture you can then process briefly in a food processor or blender.
- Allow to cool then store in the fridge until required. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days or you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Did you Know?
Instead of berries you could stew fresh chopped peaches or nectarines when in season with the chia seeds – try adding a little lemon juice to the mixture for additional flavour and to help keep the vibrant colour.
INGREDIENTS
150g raspberries, fresh or frozen.
2-3 tbsp coconut water or water
1tbsp xylitol, optional
2 heaped tbsp chia seeds