🍇 Healthy Homemade Blueberry Chia Jam
No refined sugar, no preservatives — just pure fruit-powered goodness.
📝 Description:
This easy, 5-ingredient jam is made with real blueberries, thickened naturally with chia seeds, and brightened with lemon juice. No sugar or artificial sweeteners — just a fruity, nutrient-rich spread that’s perfect on toast, oatmeal, yogurt, or even in baking!
🍽️ Ingredients:
- 2 cups (300g) blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp chia seeds
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional: A pinch of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract for flavor depth
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Heat the blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- As the berries heat, mash them gently with a fork or potato masher to release juices.
- Add the water and lemon juice, and continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until bubbly and softened.
- Stir in the chia seeds and optional cinnamon or vanilla if using.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let cool. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Store in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
📝 Notes:
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam once cooled.
- Adjust tartness with more or less lemon juice based on taste and ripeness of the berries.
- Add natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey (1–2 tsp) if desired.
💡 Tips:
- Want a mixed berry version? Swap ½ of the blueberries for raspberries or strawberries.
- This jam makes a great filling for thumbprint cookies, crepes, or overnight oats.
- If it seems too thick after chilling, stir in a teaspoon of water or lemon juice.
🍽️ Servings:
- Makes about 1 cup of jam
- Yields 8–10 servings (1.5–2 tbsp per serving)
🔢 Nutritional Info (Per 1.5 tbsp serving, approx.):
- Calories: 25
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugars: 2g (natural fruit sugar)
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 1g (from chia seeds)
✅ Benefits:
- No added sugar — diabetic-friendly & kid-approved
- High fiber from chia and blueberries
- Loaded with antioxidants, especially anthocyanins
- Supports digestion and heart health
- Quick, easy, and budget-friendly
❓ Q&A:
Q: Can I use other fruits?
A: Yes! Strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, or even peaches work beautifully.
Q: Is this jam shelf-stable?
A: No. Since it’s not preserved with sugar or canned, it must be stored in the fridge or freezer.
Q: Can I blend it?
A: Yes! For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender or food processor once cooled.
Q: Is this good for toddlers?
A: Yes! It’s great on toast or yogurt and contains no added sugar. Just be mindful of chia seeds for very young kids.