Festive Chia Jam Recipe ( Vegan, Top 14 Free)
VEGAN II TOP 14 FREE II NIGHTSHADE FREE II NUT FREE II SOY FREE II SESAME FREE II DAIRY FREE II EGG FREE II SHELLFISH FREE
This festive chia jam recipe is fruity, spicy, and tangy, featuring many layers of flavour. Its like Christmas in every bite. With its jewel-like colour, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. It has notes of cinnamon and star anise, blueberry, orange, figs and plums along with a beautiful depth from the dark fruits I’ve used. It tastes similar to mulled wine, but it’s much healthier as I have used chia seeds and honey instead of sugar for this recipe.
This chia jam recipe makes a wonderful Christmas gift for friends and family. You can enjoy this chia seeds jam in desserts, on toast, with yoghurt, or added to a fruit crumble. No matter how you choose to eat it, I hope you enjoy it, my darlings!
Notes on ingredients for festive chai jam recipe
Fruit
I used plums, oranges, figs, and blueberries for this recipe. You could also add cranberries to make it extra festive. You will need to adjust the sweetness, as cranberries are quite tart. Once the chia jam is made, taste for sweetness and add a little more honey or agave to taste.
Chia seeds
If there is any superfood, it would be chia seeds. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, and protein .One serving of dried chia seeds is about 2.5 tablespoons. This has 140 calories, 5 grams of protein, 10 grams of fibre, 12 grams of carbohydrate and 9 grams of fat, of which 8 grams are heart-healthy fats.
Most importantly, for our jam-making purposes, chia seeds can turn any liquid into a thick gel. They absorb several times their weight in liquid, creating a jelly-like texture in the process, so there’s no need for pectin. Pectin is a thickening agent and stabilizer that gives jam its texture and helps it set, but chia seeds do an excellent job and these tiny seeds are a powerhouse of nutrients.
Learn more about how to cook with chia seeds in my article: Creative Ways to Cook with Chia Seeds with lots of recipes and tips on how to incorporate them into your diet.
Sweetener
I used raw honey for this chia jam recipe. If you are following a vegan diet, you can use maple syrup or agave instead. Both can be found in supermarkets or online.
Spices
I use cinnamon sticks and star anise in this recipe. Use 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon if you do not have cinnamon sticks. I do prefer using cinnamon sticks, though as the flavour is more delicate and not peppery-tasting as ground cinnamon can be a little tingly on the tongue like pepper.
Why You Will Love This Christmas Jam Recipe
It has a wonderful, natural, fruity texture as no food processor is used.
Makes a unique gift for the holiday season.
No pectin is needed so it’s budget-friendly.
Hassle-free as there’s no need for a muslin bag to hold spices, unlike some recipes.
It's Healthier than store-bought jams with less sugar and additives!
Homemade jam tastes fresher and better than anything you can buy in a shop!
Versatile, use it as a jam or in desserts, yoghurt, on pancakes, on some sourdough toast.
Tips
This is a great recipe for gifting to friends. Always sterilise the jars first by either popping them in the dishwasher or in a hot oven for 10 mins and fill the jars with the jam while they are still hot, being careful not to burn your fingers. Take a look at this video here for a step-by-step guide.
Feel free to swap the fruit with other fruit you prefer. Bear in mind all fruit have different water content. So you may need to add more or fewer chia seeds to thicken up the jam
FAQs
What is chia jam? Chia jam is a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional jam made using chia seeds. These tiny seeds absorb liquid to create a gel-like consistency, giving the jam a thick texture.
How is chia jam different from regular jam? Chia jam differs from regular jam in a few ways. Firstly, it is made without using pectin, a common thickening agent found in regular jam. Instead, chia seeds naturally thicken the jam. Secondly, chia jam is typically lower in sugar and calories than regular jam, making it a healthier option.
Can I use frozen fruit to make chia jam? Absolutely! Frozen fruit works perfectly fine for making chia jam. Simply thaw the fruit before blending it with the other ingredients. Frozen berries are particularly popular choices for chia jam.
What fruits can I use to make chia jam? You can use a wide variety of fruits to make chia jam. Popular options include strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and peaches. You can also get creative and mix different fruits together for unique flavours.
How long does chia jam last? Chia jam can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. However, it's important to note that the exact shelf life may vary depending on the ingredients' freshness.
Can I freeze chia jam? Yes, you can freeze chia jam for longer storage. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
What can I use chia jam for? Chia jam can be used in a variety of ways. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a delicious and nutritious breakfast. It can also be used as a topping for yoghurt, oatmeal, or desserts. Get creative and use it in your favourite recipes!
Is chia jam suitable for vegans? Yes, chia jam is typically suitable for vegans as it contains no animal products. However, double-checking the ingredients used in your specific recipe is always a good idea to ensure it aligns with your dietary preferences.
Is chia jam gluten-free? Yes, chia jam is gluten-free as long as the ingredients are gluten-free. Chia seeds themselves are naturally gluten-free, making chia jam a safe option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Try this festive chia jam with the following recipes:
Step by step
Recipe
17 plums or 885 g ( stone in weight)
200 g blueberries
5 figs cut up into small pieces
juice of 2 satsumas
juice and zest of 1 orange
175 g honey or agave
1 stick cinnamon
1-star anise
4.5 tbsp chia seeds
Method
Prepare the fruit by rinsing them under cold water first ( not the orange or satsumas), then quarter and destone the plums, cut off the stalks of the figs and quarter them skin on.
Put all the fruit into a large saucepan, followed by the juice of the satsumas, the zest and juice of the orange and add the honey.
Simmer the fruit on medium heat for 25 minutes stirring occasionally, use a masher to press and mush up the fruit whilst its cooking.
Add the spices and chia seeds and cook for the remaining 20 minutes on low heat, stirring often, the jam should really start to thicken up with the addition of chia seeds.
Once cooked pop the lid on the saucepan and leave to one side till cooled, this will further thicken the jam so leave the chia seeds to do their magic.
Once completely cooled, spoon the jam into glass jars and store in the fridge.
Food shopping tips
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