Easy Chia Seed Jam Recipe with Fresh Fruit and Maple Syrup
A naturally sweetened fruit jam made with fresh berries or stone fruit, chia seeds, and maple syrup. The chia seeds act as a natural thickener, creating a spreadable consistency without added pectin. This versatile jam works perfectly on toast, yogurt, or oatmeal and takes just minutes to prepare. Unlike traditional jams, this version has no refined sugar and provides extra fiber and omega-3s from the chia seeds. The recipe works with any fresh fruit - strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or stone fruits like peaches and apricots.
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh fruit (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, etc.)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- 1
Slice larger fruits like strawberries, nectarines, or apricots into small pieces
- 2
Add fruit, maple syrup and lemon juice to a pot over medium heat
- 3
Simmer for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to help break down the fruit
- 4
Puree the fruit using a potato masher or immersion blender
- 5
Turn off heat and stir in chia seeds
- 6
Transfer jam to storage container and refrigerate to cool
Tips
Let the jam cool completely in the refrigerator for best consistency as chia seeds continue to thicken over time
Adjust sweetness by adding more maple syrup after tasting the cooked fruit
Use frozen fruit if fresh isn't available - just add an extra 2-3 minutes cooking time
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Can be made up to 2 weeks ahead
Serve chilled or at room temperature on toast, yogurt, or oatmeal
Common Mistakes
Don't skip the cooling time - chia seeds need time to fully gel and thicken the jam
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen fruit works well. Add 2-3 extra minutes of cooking time and expect slightly more liquid initially.
How long does this jam keep in the refrigerator?
The jam stays fresh for up to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I reduce the maple syrup if my fruit is very sweet?
Absolutely. Start with 1 tablespoon of maple syrup, taste after cooking, then add more as needed for your preference.