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- 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 medium orange - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) - A pinch of salt What are the health benefits of cranberries? Cranberries are low in calories and packed with nutrients. They are rich in vitamin C, which helps support your immune system. They also contain antioxidants that fight free radicals in your body. This can lower the risk of heart disease and improve your overall health. What are the advantages of chia seeds? Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They are high in fiber, which helps with digestion. These seeds also provide a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health. Plus, they absorb liquid, which helps thicken your jam and gives it a satisfying texture. What is the impact of honey versus maple syrup on nutrition? Honey is sweeter and has antimicrobial properties. It may help soothe a sore throat. Maple syrup is also sweet but has more minerals like manganese and zinc. Both are natural sweeteners, so choose based on your taste preference. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by placing the cranberries and orange juice in a medium saucepan. Heat them over medium heat. Stir occasionally. You want the cranberries to soften and burst. This process should take about 10 minutes. As they cook, you will hear them pop, releasing their juices. This is when the magic begins! Once the cranberries are cooked down, take the saucepan off the heat. Add the orange zest, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well. It’s important to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. This will help the jam thicken nicely. Let the jam sit for about 5 to 10 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb moisture, making the jam thicker. If you want a smoother texture, mash the mixture with a fork or potato masher. When it reaches your desired thickness, transfer the jam into a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. This jam can last in the fridge for up to two weeks. Enjoy your tasty and nutritious spread! To change the sweetness of your jam, you can easily adjust the honey or maple syrup. Start with 1/4 cup as the base. Taste it after mixing in the other ingredients. If you want more sweetness, add a little more syrup, stirring well. You can also use less if you prefer a tart flavor. Remember, you can always add, but you can't take away! For a smoother jam, use a fork or potato masher after the jam has thickened. Mash until you reach your preferred texture. If you enjoy a chunkier jam, skip the mashing step. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam, so you’ll still get a nice spreadable texture either way. Serve your jam in a cute decorative jar. You can tie a ribbon around it to make it look special. This makes it a great gift for friends or family. Pair your jam with warm homemade bread or crunchy crackers for a delightful treat. Store the jam in the fridge, and it will last for up to two weeks, but you might not have any left by then! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cranberries and freshly squeezed orange juice will enhance the flavor and brightness of your jam. If you use frozen cranberries, ensure they are thawed beforehand for better cooking results. Adjust Sweetness to Taste: Depending on your preference and the tartness of the cranberries, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup to achieve your desired level of sweetness. Experiment with Spices: While ground cinnamon is a delightful addition, don't hesitate to experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique flavor profile in your jam. Storage Tips: Make sure your jar is completely clean and dry before storing the jam to prevent spoilage. This chia jam can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator when stored properly. {{image_4}} You can boost the flavor of your Cranberry Orange Chia Jam in fun ways. Adding spices can make it special. Consider mixing in some nutmeg or ginger. These spices add warmth and depth. You only need a small amount. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more if you want. Using different fruits can also change the taste. Try mixing in apples for sweetness or pears for a smooth texture. You can also use berries like blueberries or raspberries. Just remember to adjust the sweetness. Each fruit brings its own flavor to the jam. If you want to explore sweeteners, there are many options. You can use agave syrup or coconut sugar instead of honey. Both options add a unique taste. For those on low-sugar diets, consider using stevia or erythritol. These options can help reduce calories. When using alternative sweeteners, adjust the amount. Some sweeteners are stronger than sugar. Taste as you mix to find the right balance. This way, you can enjoy your jam without worry. To keep your Cranberry Orange Chia Jam fresh, store it in a clean jar. Make sure the jar is airtight. You can keep it in the fridge for up to two weeks. This quick method helps maintain its color and flavor. Always use a clean spoon to scoop out the jam. This keeps bacteria from entering the jar and spoiling your jam. Here are some best practices for extending shelf life: - Cool Before Sealing: Let the jam cool completely before sealing. - Use Clean Utensils: Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination. - Check for Signs of Spoilage: Look for off smells or mold before using. You can freeze Cranberry Orange Chia Jam for longer storage. Freezing helps preserve its taste and nutrition. Here’s how to do it: 1. Choose the Right Container: Use a freezer-safe jar or a sturdy plastic container. 2. Leave Space: Leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion as the jam freezes. 3. Seal Tightly: Close the container tightly to avoid freezer burn. To thaw the jam for future use, follow these steps: - Refrigerator Thawing: Place the frozen jam in the fridge overnight. - Quick Thawing: If you need it fast, you can run the container under warm water for a few minutes. By following these storage and freezing tips, you can enjoy your jam longer! Cranberry Orange Chia Jam stays fresh for about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar with a tight lid. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it. In the freezer, it lasts for up to six months. Just make sure to use an airtight container for best results. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! They work just as well as fresh ones. When using frozen cranberries, there is no need to thaw them. Just add them straight to the pot with the orange juice. The cooking time might be a bit longer, but they will break down nicely. Yes, you can make this jam vegan! Instead of honey, use maple syrup. Maple syrup gives the jam a sweet flavor, just like honey. You can adjust the sweetness as you like. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty spread! In this article, we covered how to make Cranberry Orange Chia Jam from scratch. We detailed each ingredient's benefits, cooking steps, and techniques for storage. Remember, you can adjust sweetness and explore variations to make it your own. The joy of homemade jam lies in its flavor and health perks. Enjoy creating this tasty treat and impressing friends at your next gathering. With these tips, you can make a delicious, smooth, or chunky jam, perfect for jars or gifts.

Cranberry Orange Chia Jam

A delicious and healthy jam made with cranberries, orange juice, and chia seeds.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine American
Servings 1.5
Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 0.5 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 medium zest of orange
  • 0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
  • 0.25 cup chia seeds
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Begin by placing the cranberries and orange juice in a medium-sized saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, allowing the cranberries to soften and burst, which should take about 10 minutes.
  • Once the cranberries are adequately cooked down, remove the saucepan from the heat. Incorporate the orange zest, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt into the cranberry mixture.
  • Stir everything together thoroughly until the chia seeds are well distributed throughout the mixture. Allow the jam to sit for 5-10 minutes, enabling it to thicken as the chia seeds absorb moisture.
  • If you prefer a smoother jam, use a fork or potato masher to mash the mixture to your desired consistency after it has thickened.
  • Transfer the jam into a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing it shut. This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in a decorative jar for gifting. Pairs well with bread or crackers.
Keyword chia seeds, cranberry, healthy spread, jam, orange