Blueberry Chia Jam without pectin is a simple and healthy alternative to store-bought jam. The combination of frozen blueberries and chia seeds creates a deliciously thick and fruity spread that is perfect for adding to toast, yogurt, or oatmeal.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Preservative Free - doesn't contain any artificial preservatives or thickeners.
- Easy - a few simple ingredients and takes only a few minutes to prepare.
- Nutritious - chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids, making this jam a nutritious addition to your diet.
- Availability - ingredients are readily available all year round.
- Versatility - can be used on toast, gluten free products or in oatmeal.
What to Serve with Blueberry Chia Jam
Serve blueberry chia jam on roasted sweet potato halves. Or serve them with breakfast egg cups, lemon ricotta pancakes or cashew butter
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Ingredients You'll Need
You will need the following ingredients to make blueberry jam without pectin: frozen blueberries, apple juice, lemon juice, chia seeds, honey and vanilla extract.
- Frozen Blueberries - because they are sweet and ripe
- Lemon juice - for a slight citrus acidity
- Chia Seed - for thickening the jam
- Vanilla Extract - to enhance the flavor
See recipe card for the full list of ingredients and quantities.
How to Make Blueberry Chia Jam
Start by measuring 2 cups of frozen blueberries. Place them in a small saucepan with 200 ml of unsweetened apple juice.
Bring to a boil, stirring often. Using the back of your wooden spatula squish the majority of the blueberries. Leave some whole if you like.
Once the mixture has reduced to half of it original volume and has a syrupy consistency, take it off the burner and pour it into a mason jar.
Add 2 tablespoons of chia seed and stir. Let cool down to room temperature and then place in refrigerator to set.
Meal Prep Tip
Blueberries stain very easily. Take care not to get any on your clothes. Use an apron to cover yourself or wear clothes that you aren't going to mind getting stained.
Word of Caution
This recipe is Paleo, but it is not Whole30 compatible. Even though it is made with compatible ingredients for Whole30, this recipe would be considered to be off limits.
Learn more about the Whole30 Program and what you need to know.
If you are in the "food freedom" stage or eating regularly, this recipe is perfect for curbing your appetite or cravings.
Always make sure that the food you prepare is part of a balanced meal template.
Substitutions and Variations
Here are some great substitution and variations to make this recipe unique.
- Blueberry - instead of using blueberry, use strawberry, pineapple or another fruit.
- Spice - add a dash of cayenne or cinnamon to spice things up.
- Chia Seeds - if you are not fond of chia seeds, substitute for 1 teaspoon of potato starch or any other starch by making a slurry and pouring it into the mixture in the saucepan when it's simmering.
- Sweeteners - add maple syrup to give for a different flavor
- Collagen -add some collagen for some extra protein.
- Nut Butters - make it a nut butter and jam sweet potato sandwich
If you can think of any other way to personalize this recipe - go for it!
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Using non stick cookware will ensure that the blueberry mixture doesn't stick to the bottom of your pan.
Have multiple size jars and freezer safe containers for storage in case you need to freeze some jam for later.
Storage
Store this blueberry jam for not more than 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also freeze this jam in a freezer safe container. When you are ready to use it, remove it from the freezer and naturally defrost it in the refrigerator for 24 hours.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
You can use any other type of fruit juice as a substitute for apple juice, such as orange juice or grape juice.
This jam can last for up to two weeks in the fridge if stored in an airtight container.
Yes, you can use fresh blueberries instead of frozen. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly as fresh blueberries release more liquid than frozen ones.
Yes, maple syrup can be substituted for honey in most recipes as they have similar sweetness levels and viscosity. However, keep in mind that maple syrup has a stronger flavor than honey, so it may affect the overall taste of the dish.
More Healthy Recipes
You must use the category name, not a URL, in the category field.Recipe Details
Blueberry Chia Jam Recipe without Pectin
https://easyhomemaderecipes.caIngredients
- 2 cups frozen blueberries
- 200 milliliters unsweetened apple juice
- ½ lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons Chia Seeds
- ¼ tablespoons Vanilla Extract optional
- 1 tablespoon honey omit for Whole30
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine blueberries and apple juice.
- Bring to a boil and simmer.
- Using the back of your wooden spoon squish the blueberries.
- Remove mixture from stovetop once reduced to half of the original volume and mixture resembles a syrup.
- Pour into a mason jar and add chia seeds and stir.
- Add honey if not on Whole30.
- Allow to cool to room temperature before placing in the refrigerator.
- Store excess jam in a freezer safe container in the freezer.
Nutrition
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Food Safety
Note that the storage guidelines provided on this page and site are estimates from personal experiences. We are all adults and as an adult you are responsible to ensure that the food you eat is safe to eat. Since, I'm not a food safety expert, you are responsible to review your local guidelines on food storage prior to storing any food left-overs.
Remember to:
- Not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
For Canadian Guidelines check the Government of Canada Food Safety Guidelines or see more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Steph says
This recipe is so easy to make! Tastes even better and fresher than store bought jam. My kids love it on their peanut butter sandwiches!
AmyG says
I'm glad to hear this, cheers!