“Live in Bliss” Strawberry-Chia Seed Jam

If you like jam, but worry about the refined sugar and other additives in conventional products, as well as the damaging effects of heat processing, you will love raw chia jam. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and phytochemicals―beneficial plant compounds―including anthocyanins, ellagitannins, ellagic acid, which are polyphenol antioxidants that may be protective against certain chronic diseases.

One study reviewing jam processing methods found that when fresh fruit is subjected to high heat in conventional jam making, carcinogenic heat-induced compounds are formed, while the antioxidant content is drastically diminished. In fact, up to 90% of protective flavanols in strawberries were lost in the cooking process compared to unprocessed fruit.

Adding insult to injury, carcinogenic heat-induced volatile compounds, mainly Maillard reaction products, are formed during heat processing. On the bright side, with raw chia jam you have a vibrantly fresh alternative that also delivers the nutritional benefits of chia seeds―an easy-digesting, plant-based form of complete, egg-level protein, as chia seeds contain all essential amino acids in full complement.

Chia seeds are also loaded with fiber—11 grams per ounce. As this soluble fiber causes chia seeds to soften and swell in liquid, they are ideally suited for creating a jam-like consistency when added to mashed fruit. Along with essential vitamins and minerals, chia seeds also contain antioxidants, inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics to nourish the good bacteria that keep our gut health in check.

This flavor-drenched alternative is a snap to make compared with traditional jam, and you will enjoy fresh raw, highly alkaline fruit as opposed to acid-forming cooked fruit with nutrients and antioxidants depleted by heat. Feel free to customize this jam with any other berries or fruit that you like. Makes about 2.5 cups. Enjoy in good health!

Strawberry-Chia Seed Jam

If you like jam, but worry about the refined sugar and other additives in conventional products, as well as the damaging effects of heat processing, you will love raw chia jam. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants, nutrients, and phytochemicals―beneficial plant compounds―including anthocyanins, ellagitannins, ellagic acid, which are polyphenol antioxidants that may be protective against certain chronic diseases.

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Ingredients

  

• 2 cups of fresh organic strawberries, mashed
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• Maple syrup or agave nectar to taste

Instructions

 

• Gently mash strawberries with a fork, leaving a little texture. Add chia seeds, and sweetener, blending well. Transfer jam to a glass jar, cover, and chill in the fridge for at least one hour to set up. Enjoy on toast, croissants, with cheese and crackers, in smoothies, over banana “nice crème, as a fruit salad topper, or anything else that appeals to you.

Notes

Chia seeds are also loaded with fiber—11 grams per ounce. As this soluble fiber causes chia seeds to soften and swell in liquid, they are ideally suited for creating a jam-like consistency when added to mashed fruit. Along with essential vitamins and minerals, chia seeds also contain antioxidants, inflammation-reducing omega-3 fatty acids, and prebiotics to nourish the good bacteria that keep our gut health in check.