Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the chopped strawberries, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice into a medium saucepan. Set the heat to medium-high and cover the pan. Watching the mixture bubble away is a treat as the sweet scent wafts through the air.
- Allow the mixture to reach a full boil. Once it’s bubbling vigorously, reduce the heat to maintain a controlled boil. You want the strawberries to soften nicely, which should take about 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the strawberries will break down and release their juices.
- Once the strawberries are softened, take a fork or potato masher and mash the mixture to your desired consistency. I personally love leaving some chunky bits for texture, which adds to the rustic feel of homemade jam.
- Now, add the ground cinnamon, sea salt, and chia seeds to the mixture. Stir well to combine everything. The chia seeds will help thicken your jam as they absorb some of the liquid.
- Cook the jam uncovered for about 8 more minutes, stirring occasionally. You'll notice the mixture thickening, creating that perfect jam texture. Keep an eye on it to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool for around 10 minutes. Allowing it to cool slightly will help it thicken even more.
- After cooling, stir in the pure vanilla extract for an extra layer of flavor. This little addition makes a big difference!
- Transfer the jam to a bowl and refrigerate it until chilled. If you want to speed up the process, pop the bowl in the freezer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once chilled, carefully pour the jam into a sanitized jar. Seal it tightly, and enjoy the satisfaction of your homemade Strawberry Chia Seed Jam.
- Store the jam in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to two weeks. Enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
Notes
When making Strawberry Chia Seed Jam, it’s important to be mindful of fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Always use ripe strawberries and store your jam in clean jars. You can customize the sweetness according to your taste and experiment with different fruits for unique flavors!
