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.
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.