Blueberry Chia Seed Jam (30 mins recipe)
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Delicious not-too-sweet Blueberry Chia Seed Jam that is easy to make, and ready to eat in 30 minutes – using just 4 ingredients! Vegan, Paleo, Sugar-Free, Gluten-Free AND Clean Eating approved!
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Ever go nuts in the grocery store when berries are on sale, and be rummaging in your fridge a little while later and find them… and need to use them FAST?! Yeah, me too.
I bought more blueberries than we could feasibly eat, and so decided to make a quick and easy homemade jam. Traditional jams (homemade and store bought) use a lot of added sugar, require added pectin, and have reasonably long cooking times to thicken and set.
This jam uses chia seeds to give it a delicious thickness, and added bonus – a nutrition boost, too. It’s gluten-free, high fiber, kosher, vegan AND paleo!
If you like homemade jams, my Small Batch Strawberry Jam is a winner too! Use either of them in sandwiches with Homemade Almond Butter (or peanut butter).
Why this recipe works:
There is no pectin, so how does it thicken without adding a ton of sugar? Well, when chia seeds are exposed to liquid, it creates a gel – much like pectin does in jams and jellies – so it’s perfect for use in this way. Thickens the jam so well, I may never make jam the traditional way again.
I love that it’s low in sugar, but still tastes like a thick and luxurious jam, as well as provides some nutrition benefits, like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, protein and calcium. AND it tastes good?! WIN!
Using just 4 ingredients, I manage to get this made and in a jar in under 30 minutes. It’s a great idea for last-minute hostess gifts, feel free to steal this idea!
Kylee’s Notes & FAQs
Can chia seed jams be canned or preserved?
No. Unlike jams with pectin and a huge amount of sugar, this blueberry chia jam is NOT appropriate for processing and canning. This is a “refrigerator jam” meaning “just keep it in the fridge and eat it fast”
I mean, check this out. Eating it fast is not really going to be a problem, is it?
Can you use frozen blueberries to make this recipe?
Absolutely! You can always use frozen fruit in a jam like this. Just use the same amount of frozen as you do fresh berries (2 cups frozen),
How long will chia seed jam stay fresh?
This Blueberry Chia Seed Jam recipe makes about a cup and a half when it all cooks down.
How to store:
Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid in the refrigerator for a week or two.
Key Recipe Ingredients
Remember: this is just an overview and the why of the ingredients I choose here. The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Blueberries. I use fresh blueberries, but I have used frozen with great results.
- Honey. I use local raw honey, but any kind of sweetener will work just fine. Pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup), agave syrup or sugar (if you must) are fine too.
- Lemon juice. Fresh lemon juice is what we need here.
- Chia seeds. I buy these from a warehouse store, but they’re available on Amazon, and any grocery store.
How to make Chia Seed Jam
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Jump- Combine the blueberries, honey and lemon juice in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat until the berries begin to “pop” (about 5 minutes – but you can help them along by using a potato masher if you’d like)
- Stir the chia seeds in, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove sauce pan from heat, and cool (to room temp) before using.
- Devour.
More jam recipes
- Earl Grey Peach Preserves. Deliciously sweet, and fragranced with aromatic earl grey tea, these Earl Grey Peach Preserves are something very special!
- Maple Peach Chia Jam (from Sugar Spice and Glitter)
- Ja Makin’ Me Crazy Mango Jam from Bowl Me Over
- Pineapple Jam from Accidental Happy Baker
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30 Minute Blueberry Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine 2 cups fresh blueberries, 3 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice in a heavy bottomed saucepan, and heat over medium heat until the berries begin to "pop" (about 5 minutes).
- Stir 2 tablespoons chia seeds in, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Turn the heat to low and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat, and cool (to room temp) before using.
- Devour.
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Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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About Kylee Ayotte
I am a born and raised New Zealander (a Kiwi), now living in Phoenix, Arizona. I’m happily married to the love of my life – a hot American boy I met while traveling the world. I’m a mama to 2 awesome little boys and love red things, rugby, cheesecake, and bacon. Mmmmm. Bacon. Meet Kylee
I made this recipe and i absolutely loved it! I was wondering, what would the shelf life be?