Although it may seem incredible, many jams, whether homemade or industrial, can contain as much sugar as fruit, an excessive amount! If you are looking for a healthier and more nutritious alternative, don't hesitate to try this delicious homemade red fruit jam with chia seeds. You will enjoy the great amount of antioxidants provided by the berries, and on the other hand, the incredible properties of chia seeds, a super-food rich in protein, omega 3 and fiber. What are you waiting for to try it? We tell you how to make it, step by step
Ingredients
- Put the frozen berries in a saucepan. If using fresh fruit, add a tablespoon of water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.
- Mash the berries with a fork and add the chia seeds and agave syrup (sweetener is optional). Stir well and cook for a couple of minutes more.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and transfer the mixture to a jar. Let cool for 5 minutes, stir one last time. Cover the jar and refrigerate for a minimum of 8 hours for the chia seeds to hydrate properly.
- And that's it!
Observations
Can I make this healthy jam with another fruit?
Of course you can! You can make it with any fruit you like. It is particularly tasty with: blueberries, strawberries, plums, figs, apricots or pumpkin.
Can I make this jam in the microwave?
Yes, you can:
Place the berries in a bowl and heat them in the microwave for 4-5 minutes at maximum power (800 W). Then proceed exactly as we have done in this recipe.
How can I add sweetness to my jam?
The healthiest thing to do is to enjoy the natural sweetness of the fruit; however, if you want to intensify it, you can add some sweetener such as stevia (about 3 grams will be enough) or erythritol. You can also choose to add a few tablespoons of agave syrup as we have done in this recipe.
How can I vary the flavor of my jam?
In addition to varying the chosen fruit you can give different touches to your jam by adding spices or other seasonings. For example, you can add cinnamon to your berries just before adding them to the pan. Another option is to add a little lemon juice (about 15 ml) to give it a subtle acid point.
How long can I keep this jam?
This jam can be kept in good condition for up to a week, as long as you keep it covered and refrigerated.
How to use this jam?
You can use it as you would any other jam. For example, spread on a slice of bread with some homemade peanut butter. You can also use it to decorate cakes, pies or as a condiment for your yogurt.