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- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved - 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - A pinch of sea salt To make the best strawberry chia seed jam, you need the best ingredients. First, let’s talk about strawberries. Look for bright red, firm berries. They should smell sweet and fresh. Avoid any that are mushy or have dark spots. Organic strawberries can be a great choice. They often taste better and have fewer pesticides. Now, let’s move to chia seeds. Choose organic chia seeds for the best flavor and quality. They should be whole and not broken. Fresh chia seeds will have a nutty taste. Check the package for the expiration date to ensure freshness. When it comes to sweeteners, honey and maple syrup both work well. Honey gives a nice floral taste. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy flavor. Both are natural options. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with two tablespoons, and add more if you want it sweeter. Start by cooking the strawberries. Place 2 cups of hulled and halved strawberries in a medium-sized saucepan. Add 2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup. Heat the pan over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally as the strawberries soften. This step releases their sweet juices. Once the strawberries are soft, it’s time to mash them. Use a fork or potato masher for this. If you like a chunkier jam, mash lightly. For smoother jam, mash more thoroughly. Achieve your desired texture at this stage. Next, add the chia seeds and lemon juice. Pour in 2 tablespoons of chia seeds and 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt. Mix everything together well. Make sure the chia seeds are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for the jam's texture and flavor. Now, lower the heat to a simmer. Allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently to avoid burning. You’ll notice the mixture starting to thicken. This is the jam-like texture you want. After simmering, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the jam cool for about 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools. Remember, stop cooking just before it reaches your perfect thickness. Once cooled, transfer the jam to a clean glass jar. Seal it tightly. Store your jam in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. Enjoy your homemade strawberry chia seed jam with your favorite treats! To make great jam, avoid common mistakes. First, do not rush the cooking process. Cook the strawberries long enough to soften them. If you skip this step, your jam may taste too raw. Next, don’t add too much sweetener at once. Start with less, then taste and adjust. You want a balance between sweet and tart. For thickness, you can tweak how much chia you use. More chia seeds mean a thicker jam. If your jam is too thick, add a splash of water. If it’s too runny, cook it a bit longer. Keep stirring to help it thicken evenly. Choose a good saucepan for cooking. A medium-sized, heavy-bottomed pan works best. It helps heat the jam evenly. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the strawberries. For accurate measurements, use measuring spoons and cups. They ensure you add the right amounts of each ingredient. Spices can take your jam to the next level. Try adding a dash of cinnamon for warmth. A few drops of vanilla extract can also add depth. You might also want to mix in other fruits. Raspberries or peaches can create fun twists. Just remember to adjust the sweetness based on the new fruit. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! {{image_4}} You can change the fruit in your chia seed jam for fun. Here are two great options: - Raspberry chia seed jam: Raspberries add a sweet and tangy flavor. They break down quickly, so you can cook them like strawberries. - Peach chia seed jam: Use ripe peaches for a lovely, sweet jam. Peel and chop them before cooking. This will give you a smooth texture. If you want a sugar-free option, you can use stevia or erythritol. - Using stevia or erythritol: These sweeteners work well in place of honey or maple syrup. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. - Adjusting the recipe for low-carb diets: This jam fits low-carb diets when you use sugar-free sweeteners. Just follow the same steps in the full recipe. You can make your jam even more tasty by adding flavors. - Infusing with herbs like mint or basil: Adding herbs brings a fresh twist. Just toss in a few leaves while cooking, then strain them out. - Citrus zests for additional flavor: Add lemon or orange zest for a bright taste. This will lift the flavor of the fruit and give your jam a zesty kick. To keep your strawberry chia seed jam fresh, store it in glass jars. Glass jars help preserve flavor and prevent unwanted smells. Always seal the jars tightly after each use. The jam stays good in the fridge for about two weeks. Keep an eye out for signs of spoilage, like off smells or mold. If you see any, it’s best to toss the jam. If you want to save your jam for later, freezing is a great option. To freeze chia seed jam, place it in freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This jam can last up to six months in the freezer. When you want to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can also use it right away in cooking if you need it. Just add it to warm dishes straight from the freezer. Strawberry chia seed jam is super versatile. You can spread it on toast or mix it into yogurt for a tasty breakfast. It also works great as a filling for pastries or cakes. I love adding it to smoothies for a fruity kick. You can even use it as a topping for ice cream! This way, you bring out the delicious strawberry flavor in many dishes. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for inspiration. Homemade strawberry chia seed jam lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in a clean glass jar. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Frozen jam can last up to six months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before using. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. They work well in this recipe. Frozen strawberries may be softer when cooked. This can change the texture a bit, making the jam smoother. The flavor will still be sweet and delicious. Just make sure to properly thaw and drain excess water before cooking. To make your jam thicker, let it simmer longer. This helps the chia seeds absorb more liquid. You can also add more chia seeds if needed. Start with one extra tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired thickness. Keep in mind that the jam will thicken more as it cools. Yes, chia seed jam is quite healthy! Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Strawberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants. Together, they create a nutritious spread. This jam is a great alternative to sugar-filled options. Enjoy it guilt-free on toast, yogurt, or pastries! This blog post covers how to make delicious strawberry chia seed jam. We explored ingredients, including fresh strawberries and chia seeds, and provided quality tips for selection. Step-by-step instructions ensured you know how to prepare, mix, and thicken your jam. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor. Variations like using different fruits add fun twists. Finally, we discussed storage tips to keep your jam fresh. Homemade jam is easy and healthy. Enjoy your tasty creation on toast or as a filling in desserts!

Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Sweet Strawberry Chia Seed Jam! This simple recipe uses fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and a touch of honey or maple syrup to create a delicious and healthy spread. Perfect for toast, yogurt, or pastries, it takes just 30 minutes to make. Click to explore this easy recipe and elevate your breakfast or snack with the fresh burst of strawberry flavor you won't want to miss!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and halved

2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

A pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the halved strawberries and honey (or maple syrup) in a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This process will help the strawberries soften and release their sweet juices.

    Once the strawberries are soft, take a fork or potato masher and gently mash them to your desired thickness. For a chunkier jam, mash lightly; for a smoother finish, mash more thoroughly until the desired consistency is achieved.

      Next, stir in the chia seeds, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a pinch of sea salt into the mashed strawberries. Mix everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the chia seeds.

        Lower the heat to a simmer and allow the mixture to cook for another 5 minutes. Stir frequently during this time. The mixture should start to thicken, creating a jam-like texture that suits your preference.

          After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind that it will continue to thicken as it cools, so it’s best to stop cooking just before it reaches your preferred thickness.

            Finally, transfer the freshly made jam into a clean glass jar, making sure to seal it tightly. Store the jam in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to 2 weeks.

              Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: Approximately 1 cup

                - Serving Suggestions: Spread this delightful jam on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a sweet filling for pastries. Enjoy the burst of fresh strawberry flavor!