If you're seeking a naturally sweet, easy-to-make jam that doesn't rely on refined sugar or commercial pectin, this sugar-free strawberry chia jam is your answer. It's a wholesome spread that captures the essence of fresh strawberries, thickened naturally with chia seeds.
🍓 Why You'll Love This Recipe 🍓
- Naturally Sweetened: This jam uses the sweetness of ripe strawberries, without added sugars.
- No Pectin Required: Chia seeds naturally thicken the jam, eliminating the need for commercial pectin.
- Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, swirl into yogurt, or use as a topping for desserts.
Ingredients
- Fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped: Provides the base flavor and natural sweetness.
- Chia seeds: Acts as a natural thickener and adds fiber.
- Vanilla pasta: For that little bit extra depth in flavor.
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup: Adds a touch of sweetness if desired.
Budget tip:
Use frozen strawberries as a budget-friendly alternative to fresh strawberries. Use any leftover strawberries to make a pink beetroot smoothie or a pink smoothiebowl.
How to Prepare Strawberry Chia Jam
- Cook the Strawberries: In a saucepan over medium heat, cook the chopped strawberries with the vanilla paste until they break down.
- Mash the Mixture: Mash the strawberries to your desired consistency.
- Add Chia Seeds: Stir in the chia seeds. Add honey or maple syrup to taste.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat and let the jam cool. Transfer to a clean jar and refrigerate.
How to Store Sugar Free Jam
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Sugar is a natural preservative. Hence, this sugar-free jam won't keep as long as a regular jam.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Increase the amount of chia seeds slightly or cook the jam longer to reduce moisture.
This recipe is not designed for traditional canning. For longer shelf life, store in the freezer.
Absolutely! This method works with various fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
Sugar-Free Strawberry Chia Jam (No Pectin)
Equipment
- cooking pan
- airtight jar
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup fresh strawberries , hulled and quartered
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon vanilla paste (or pure vanilla extract)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or agave syrup, to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the strawberries: Add the quartered strawberries and vanilla paste to a small saucepan. Set over medium heat and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries start to break down and release their juices.
- Mash to desired consistency: Use a fork to mash the strawberries into a chunky jam. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can blend the mixture in a blender or use an immersion blender.
- Add chia seeds: Stir in the chia seeds and let the mixture simmer for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. The jam will still look quite loose at this point, but it will thicken as it cools.
- Sweeten if desired: Taste the jam (careful, it's hot!). If you'd like it a little sweeter, stir in honey or agave syrup to taste.
- Cool and store: Pour the jam into a clean glass jar and let it cool to room temperature. Seal the jar and store in the refrigerator.
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