Strawberry Lime Chia Jam! Preserve the sweet, tantalizing flavors of summer with a quick, homemade jam. Chia seeds help thicken and gel this easy jam, so there's no need for pectin or excessive sugar. An easy way to enjoy berries year-round!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by California Giant Berry Farms as part of an ongoing partnership. As always, all opinions here are my own.
Don't you wish you could lock up the flavors of summer in a jar and enjoy them year round? Well... you "can!" {I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.} Canning and preserving is an age-old method of extending summer's bounty throughout the rest of the seasons, and it's high time we hop back on the canning train and make it a thing that happens in more kitchens across the country.
I'm going to let you in on a little secret, though: I've always been a little intimidated by making my own jellies and jams. All that temperature watching and pectin-adding and whatnot is enough to make me doubt my kitchen skills. Aside from one time last year when I was inundated with literally hundreds of pounds of fresh papaya that began to deteriorate at a rapid rate, I've never really given jam-making fair go.
But after some Google research as well as good, old-fashioned kitchen R&D, I've discovered that there's really nothing to fear when it comes to turning fresh berries into a delicious condiment that you can enjoy in a million different ways. Especially when it comes to making chia jam.
Have you ever worked with chia seeds before? Yes, those same little seeds that produced endless hours of gardening entertainment for children of the 80's and 90's have made a comeback in the form of a preferred addition to healthy diets thanks to the fact that they're bursting with nutrients. They also have a really cool superpower: the power to gel.
That gelling power is exactly what makes chia a perfect ingredient for creating stress-free jam with your sweet summer berries! Not only does chia jam come together incredibly easily, but it also has the extra nutritional boost that turns what is usually a sugary treat into a welcome addition to your diet.
In my Strawberry Lime Chia Jam, I've combined California Giant's plump, juicy strawberries with some tart and zesty citrus to make this fantastic condiment that you'll want to spread. on. everything.
Biscuits. Bagels. Pancakes. Oatmeal. Yogurt. There will be few things that will go un-jammed once you see how easy it is to make this stuff and have it on hand in your fridge.
One of the best parts of chia jam is that it takes just minutes to simmer it all together in a pot, and seconds to pulse in the food processor. {Or not, if chunky jam is your... um... jam.} Fresh, lime zest and juice gives those already amazing berries a little extra something summery, while honey balances out the pucker and sweetens things up without going all-out candy creation.
Can we all just agree that jam-making parties need to become a thing? I promise that's as Little House on the Prairie as I'll get.
Anyway, as if hooking you up with a super simple {but ultra delicious} jam recipe wasn't enough, I've also got some fantastic news from my friends at California Giant Berry Farms: They have faith that YOU can create your very own, award-winning jam! If you're up for the challenge, try your hand at some jam-making and submit your recipe here for a chance to win:
- A canning kit to help you package your jam or jelly for friends and family
- 24 mason jars to store your jam or jelly
- Chia seeds from Nutiva to mix into your jam or jelly
- Your recipe will be created and photographed to be featured on the California Giant website with a JAMBerry 2018 blue ribbon
Meanwhile, try exercise your skills with MY recipe and get those creative juices flowing!
Strawberry Lime Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped California Giant strawberries caps removed
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Zest of ½ a lime {or more if you prefer a stronger flavor}
- 1 tablespoon honey {or more if you like it a bit sweeter}
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
Instructions
- Place the chopped strawberries in a small saucepan with 2 tablespoons of water. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, and allow to bubble until the strawberries soften and start to fall apart, about 5-8 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice, lime zest, honey and chia seeds and simmer for about another minute. {Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.}
- Use a fork or potato masher to smash any remaining large chunks. If you desire a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture.
- The jam will be on the runny side at first, but will thicken as it sits.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, or pour into a small jam jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Will keep in the fridge for about 1.5-2 weeks -- if it lasts that long!
Cascia Talbert says
That looks so good! I've never canned anything before.