10-Minute Blueberry Chia Jam
If you’re a fan of jam on pancakes, muffins, oats, or the classic pb&j sandwich, this recipe will be your...jam 🙃. While store bought jams usually contain loads of sugar, this recipe is naturally sweetened with fruit, and the chia seeds act as a thickening agent.
If you had ever wanted to make your own jam from scratch but the idea was seemed too time consuming or complicated, then this recipe will give you the efficiency of only being ten minutes from start to finish, plus having a ton of health benefits from the ingredients it contains.
BENEFITS OF BLUEBERRIES:
Blueberries are high in antioxidants and phytochemicals which help to lower inflammation and reduce oxidative stress, two factors involved in brain aging and neurodegenerative disorders. If possible, eat wild blueberries since they have 2X the antioxidant power of larger cultivated varieties.
BENEFITS OF CHIA SEEDS
Chia seeds are high in fibre as well as omega-3 fatty acids. Fibre aids in normalizing bowl movements, and promoting bowel health, while omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in healthy brain function and reducing inflammation in the body. Both nutrients are important for a stable mood and blood sugar balance.
RECIPE
Yields: About 1 cup Prep time: 1 minute Cook time: 9 minutes Total time: 10 minutes
INGREDIENTS:
✨2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
✨2 tablespoons chia seeds
✨1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
✨1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional for extra sweetness)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Heat the blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruit is heated and begins to release its juices. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the fruit and break it down more.
2. Stir in the chia seeds and lemon juice until combined. You can taste it at this point and if you feel the need to have it sweetener, add either honey or maple syrup.
3. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. The jam will thicken quite a bit as it cools.
4. Give the jam one final good stir and enjoy! You can refrigerate it for up to a week.
* Note - you can also use other fruits like strawberries, cherries, blackberries, or even kiwis! The world is your oyster!