Oh, do I have a treat for you today! I can’t help but get a little giddy when I talk about my delightful No Sugar Blueberry Chia Jam. Ever since I discovered this easy-peasy jam recipe, my mornings have transformed. No more artificial sugars or preservatives—just a vibrant, luscious spread packed with real fruit goodness.
This jam reminds me of sunny afternoons spent at my Grandma’s house, where we would pick blueberries right off the bush in her backyard. Each juicy berry was sweet, just waiting to be turned into something special. And you know what? I channeled that nostalgia and simplicity into this recipe. You won’t believe how simple it is to whip up, and trust me, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
What’s in No Sugar Blueberry Chia Jam?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this jam so stinkin’ good!
Fresh Blueberries: The star of the show! Whether you go for fresh or frozen, these blue beauties are bursting with flavor and antioxidants. I personally love using fresh blueberries when they’re in season because they have that extra juiciness.
Chia Seeds: These tiny seeds not only help thicken the jam but they’re also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and protein. They’re like little nutritional superheroes!
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice adds a bright acidity that helps to balance the sweetness of the blueberries. It’s like a little zing of sunshine in every bite!
Vanilla Extract (optional): Oh, how I adore the rich taste of vanilla! It’s totally optional, but trust me, it gives the jam that extra layer of warmth and flavor.
Pinch of Salt: Just a smidgen to enhance all those beautiful flavors. You won’t even notice it’s there, but believe me, it makes a difference!
Additional Sweetener (optional): For those of you who like a little extra sweetness, you can totally add in some honey or maple syrup to taste. I often skip it since I love the natural sweetness of the blueberries, but to each their own!
Is No Sugar Blueberry Chia Jam Good for You?
You bet it is! This jam is not only delicious but also comes with loads of health benefits.
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, vital for fighting off those pesky free radicals in our bodies. They’re great for your heart and may even boost your mood!
Chia Seeds bring in some impressive nutritional benefits too. They’re high in fiber, promoting good digestion and keeping you feeling full. Plus, those omega-3s are essential for keeping our brains happy and healthy.
**Now, about the sweeteners**: If you’re planning on adding honey or maple syrup, consider that if you’re watching your sugar intake. But hey, you can easily make this jam totally sugar-free if you skip the additional sweetener altogether!
The Ingredients List
This simple jam serves about 1 to 2 cups, depending on how generously you spread it. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 2 cups fresh blueberries (or frozen)
– 2 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
– Pinch of salt
– Additional sweetener to taste (optional, such as honey or maple syrup)
How to Make No Sugar Blueberry Chia Jam?
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to bring this delicious jam to life:
1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. If you’re using fresh blueberries, mash them gently with a fork or potato masher to release their lovely juices.
2. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the blueberries have softened and released their juice. It should look like a beautiful blueberry soup at this point!
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chia seeds and add the vanilla extract if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Let the mix sit for about 10-15 minutes. This is when the chia seeds work their magic and thicken the jam. Give it a stir now and then—you’ll love watching it transform!
5. If you prefer your jam sweeter, add your choice of sweetener to taste and mix well.
6. Once you’ve reached your desired consistency, transfer the jam to a clean jar or container and let it cool completely.
7. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks (if it lasts that long)! Enjoy it on toast, over yogurt, in oatmeal, or as a delightful dessert topping!
Sweet Tips for Your Jam!
Here are some fun little nuggets of wisdom for making your jam the best it can be!
– **Experiment with flavors**: Try adding other berry varieties, or even spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a twist. You could also mix it with other fruits, like raspberries or strawberries.
– **Make it a gift**: This jam is such a thoughtful gift! Just jar it up, add a cute label, and voilà! You have a lovely homemade gift.
– **Storage Tip**: If you can’t eat it all within two weeks, consider freezing it in small containers. It thaws beautifully, and you’ll have a burst of blueberry goodness waiting whenever you need it!
So, there you have it! If you decide to whip up this No Sugar Blueberry Chia Jam, let me know how it goes! I’m always excited to hear about yummy kitchen adventures. Happy cooking!
