Berry Delicious Chia Jam

Who doesn't love a good pb&j? 

Pretty sure we all do. 

But as I became more conscious of what I was putting into my body {thanks Whole 30!} I quickly realized I was consuming a lot of products with hidden sugars - especially those pesky added sugars. Fruit is sweet enough, it's nature's candy right?!, so why add high-fructose corn syrup to it? I don't really crave jam or jelly often {probably because most of the time my toast is savory with ALL the avocado}, but when I do I want to reach for something I don't have to question. Which is why I am all about homemade chia jam!

Chia seeds are truly a superfood. They are rich in fiber, omega-3 fats, protein, vitamins and minerals, while also being a great source of plantbased protein and antioxidants. So naturally, once I discovered them I started putting them into everything - smoothies, as a yogurt topping, with my oatmeal, etc. Most recently I whipped up some of my very own homemade chia jam. It was bursting with summer berries and had the perfect thick texture of a hearty jelly; just what I want when topping my almond butter slathered toast. 

I love this recipe so much, I'm considering mixing up a few different flavors for individual holiday gifts {spoiler alert family + friends!}, because honestly the possibilities are endless. 

Easy Mixed Berry Chia Jam:

• 1 cup raspberries

• 1/2 cup blueberries

• 1/2 cup blackberries

• 1/2 tbsp coconut oil

• Splash of water, or more juding on the consistency

• Sprinkle of fresh lemon zest

• 2 tbsp chia seeds

You can use either fresh or frozen berries for this. The first time I made the jam I used fresh, the second I used frozen - both EQUALLY as amazing and easy.

All you have to do is add your berries, coconut oil and splash of water to a small sauce pan. Heat and let it simmer a bit, you want the berries to get nice and gooey and the liquid to thicken. Then simply smash your berries {I use a potato masher}, stir in your lemon zest and your chia seeds. Mix until fully incorporated and allow to cool a bit on your stovetop before transferring to your favorite jar.

If you want a little more sweetness, I would recommend a touch of honey, agave or pure maple syrup. 

Trader Joe's seeded multigrain, mixed nut butter + chia jam. 

This batch should yield you about 1 1/2 cups and will stay well in an air tight container, refrigerated for about a week. Although, I'll be honest I definitely kept my first batch way longer and it was fine; the coconut oil will harden and separate a little bit when cold, so give it a good stir before using, or even consider a quick zap in the microwave to warm things up.

So how do I serve? 

Well aside from eating it by the spoon {true story!} I love it as an additional topping on my oats, with my favorite nut butter and toast, on apple slices with chocolate hazelnut spread and in my yogurt bowls. It's such a quick, convenient way to add a little extra extra to your next brekkie or snack.

A few other variations I want to try include: blueberry lemon, classic strawberry and cranberry raspberry. Let me know if you make a batch and what your favorite flavor is!

- Xo Kelly