Healthy Homemade Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

📋 Recipe Overview

Simmer: Place the blueberries in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook for about 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the berries burst and release their juices.
Mash: Use a fork or potato masher to crush the berries to your preferred consistency (leave some chunks for texture or mash thoroughly for a smoother jam).
Sweeten & Brighten: Stir in the maple syrup (or honey) and lemon juice. Remove from heat.
Thicken: Stir in the chia seeds and vanilla extract.
Set: Let the mixture sit for at least 10 minutes. The chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken the mixture into a jam-like consistency.
Store: Once cooled, transfer to a glass jar. It will continue to thicken as it chills in the fridge.

The “Gel” Factor: If the jam isn’t thick enough after 10 minutes, stir in an extra teaspoon of chia seeds and wait a bit longer.
Sweetness Check: Taste the jam before adding the chia seeds. Depending on how ripe your berries are, you may want more or less sweetener.
Frozen vs. Fresh: Both work perfectly! If using frozen, you may just need an extra minute or two of simmering time.

Omega-3s: Chia seeds are one of the best plant-based sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Blueberries are loaded with anthocyanins, which support heart health and brain function.
Low Glycemic: Unlike traditional jam (which is often 50% sugar), this version won’t cause a massive blood sugar spike.

Q: How long does it last?

A: Because it lacks the heavy sugar used as a preservative in traditional jams, this stays fresh in the fridge for 7–10 days.

Q: Can I freeze it?

A: Yes! It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Just leave a little headspace in the jar so it can expand.

Q: Can I use other fruit?

A: Absolutely. This method works great with raspberries, blackberries, or strawberries (just chop the strawberries first).