Chia jam is a revelation. When heated, the tiny seeds naturally thicken fruit into a jelly-like spread, making for supremely simple homemade preserves. This jam features strawberries, maple syrup, and lime for a tangy punch. Spread it on toast, swirl it in yogurt, or use it for topping pancakes (here). The omega-3’s in chia seeds and the natural sweetener make it a nourishing version of traditional jam—but the flavor is what will have you hooked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries*
- 2 tablespoons lime juice plus zest (1 large lime)
- 6 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
How to Make It
- In a 10-inch skillet, add the strawberries, lime juice, and 2 tablespoons water. Simmer over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. About halfway through the simmering time, begin to break down the berries by smashing them with a fork into a chunky but uniform texture.
- Once the berries are broken down, stir in the maple syrup, vanilla, chia seeds, and lime zest until combined, about 30 seconds. Turn off the heat. Let the skillet sit about 5 to 7 minutes until the chia seeds thicken the jam. Transfer to a 16-ounce canning jar and refrigerate; the texture will set even further when chilled.
