Blueberry Almond Chia Jam

$Fresh blueberries are the star of this jam. They bring a sweet, juicy flavor. Look for plump berries with a deep blue color. You can use about 2 cups of fresh blueberries for this recipe. They give the jam its rich taste and vibrant color. You can choose between honey and maple syrup for sweetness. Honey adds a floral note and works well with berries. If you want a vegan option, go with maple syrup. It has a unique flavor that pairs nicely with blueberries. Use 2 tablespoons of your chosen sweetener for the perfect touch of sweetness. You will need a few more key ingredients. Lemon juice adds a hint of acidity that brightens the jam. Just 1 tablespoon of lemon juice works well. Chia seeds help thicken the jam and add nutrition. Use 3 tablespoons of chia seeds for the right texture. A splash of almond extract, about 1/4 teaspoon, gives the jam a lovely aroma. Finally, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need fresh blueberries, honey or maple syrup, and lemon juice. In a medium saucepan, add the blueberries, sweetener, and lemon juice. Place it over medium heat. Stir gently as it cooks for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want the blueberries to burst and release their juices. This creates a flavorful base for your jam. Once the blueberries are soft, take the saucepan off the heat. Now, grab a fork or a potato masher. Mash the blueberries to your desired texture. If you like it smooth, mash well. For a chunkier jam, leave some berries whole. After mashing, stir in chia seeds, almond extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything until well combined. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam. Let the mixture cool for about 10 minutes. As it cools, it will thicken more. Now, transfer your jam to a clean jar or an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator to store. Your blueberry almond chia jam is ready to enjoy! For the best texture, start with fresh blueberries. Cook them gently until they burst. This will make a nice, juicy base. If you like it smooth, mash the blueberries well. For a chunkier jam, mash less. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam as it cools. When sweetening, you have options. You can use honey or maple syrup. Honey gives a nice floral taste, while maple adds a rich flavor. Start with two tablespoons and taste. Add more if you want it sweeter. Just remember, a little goes a long way! This jam is great on toast or crackers. You can also add it to yogurt or oatmeal. For a fun twist, swirl it into pancakes or waffles. Use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or cheesecake. It’s a tasty way to enjoy healthy ingredients! {{image_2}} You can swap blueberries for other berries. Raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries work great. Each berry gives a unique taste. For example, strawberries add sweetness, while raspberries bring a tangy kick. Use the same method with the same amounts. Just remember to adjust the sweetener if needed. This way, you can enjoy different flavors all year round. If you want a vegan jam, replace honey with maple syrup. Maple syrup offers a sweet, rich taste. You can also use agave nectar for a lighter option. Both will give you a lovely jam without any animal products. This makes the jam friendly for everyone. Always check the labels to ensure your ingredients are fully vegan. Adding spices can elevate your jam. Try a dash of cinnamon for warmth or a little ginger for spice. These flavors mix well with the berries. You can also add a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet aroma. Experiment with the amounts to find what you love most. Don't be afraid to get creative! To store your Blueberry Almond Chia Jam, use a clean jar. Make sure the jar is airtight to keep the jam fresh. After making the jam, let it cool down. Then, transfer it to the jar and seal it tightly. Place the jar in the fridge. This keeps the jam safe and tasty for later. Your jam will last in the fridge for about one week. It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can freeze it too. For freezing, use a freezer-safe jar. Leave some space at the top, as the jam will expand when frozen. It can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to use it, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. Check for any changes before eating the jam. If you see mold or a strange smell, it's time to toss it. The jam should smell sweet and fruity. If it tastes sour, it’s best not to eat it. Always trust your senses; they help keep you safe. Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well in the jam. Frozen berries may release more juice than fresh ones. Just add them to the saucepan without thawing. Cook them until they burst, just like fresh ones. Chia seeds are tiny but mighty. They are rich in fiber, which helps digestion. They also provide protein, healthy fats, and many vitamins. Chia seeds can help you feel full longer. They are great for heart health and reducing inflammation. Adding them to your diet can boost your overall health. Chia jam takes about 10 minutes to thicken after mixing. As it cools, the chia seeds absorb liquid and swell. If you want it thicker, let it sit longer in the fridge. You can also add more chia seeds if you like a denser texture. In this post, we explored how to make blueberry almond chia jam. We covered fresh blueberries, sweeteners, and essential ingredients. You learned step-by-step instructions, from preparing the blueberry mixture to cooling the jam. We shared tips for texture, sweetening, and serving ideas. You discovered fun variations using other berries and vegan options. Lastly, we addressed how to store the jam and its shelf life. Making your own jam is simple and fun. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with others!$

Discover the delightful flavors of Blueberry Almond Chia Jam with this easy recipe! Made with fresh blueberries, honey, and chia seeds, it's a healthy spread that’s perfect for breakfast or snacking. In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a jar of this delicious jam that beautifully complements toast or crackers. Click through to explore the step-by-step instructions and enjoy the sweet taste of homemade goodness!

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Ingredients

2 cups fresh blueberries

2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

1 tablespoon lemon juice

3 tablespoons chia seeds

1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries, honey (or maple syrup), and lemon juice.

Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes, stirring gently until the blueberries start to burst and release their juices.

Remove the saucepan from heat and use a fork or a potato masher to mash the blueberries to your desired consistency (smooth or chunky).

Stir in the chia seeds, almond extract, and a pinch of salt until well combined.

Allow the mixture to cool for about 10 minutes; it will thicken as it sits.

Transfer the jam to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 1 cup (about 8 servings)

- Presentation Tips: Serve the jam in a small glass jar topped with a sprinkle of whole chia seeds and a few fresh blueberries. Pair it with toasted bread or crackers for a delightful breakfast or snack!