The chia superfood craze has been around for a while—we can’t blame you for loving the tiny, protein-packed and filling seeds—but how many of you still have residual chia in your pantry? If you’re at a loss for what to do with all that chia, try making a summer fruit jam that’s packed with fiber and omega 3’s. By using chia’s natural gelling capabilities instead of relying on added pectin and cooking that’s normally required for jam making, you’ll get a seasonal fruit topping without the work.
No Cook Summer Chia Jam: Three Ways
Peach Chia Jam
Gooseberry Chia Jam
Blackberry Chia Jam
Ingredients:
- 1 cup, fruit of choice (for gooseberry, use 3/4 cup fruit)
- 4 Tablespoon chia seeds, gelled (Batch Chia Gel Ratio: 1 1/4 C water: 1/3 cup chia seeds. Have extra? Use it in a smoothie!).
Directions: To make chia fruit jams, gel chia overnight by adding chia seeds to water, stirring and placing in the fridge. About 45 minutes into chilling, stir again to evenly distribute chia seeds. Cut fruit into chunks if necessary, blend using an immersion blender. Add chia gel and blend again. Store in a sealed container and use it to top toast, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Carlene Thomas RDN,LD is a dietitian nutritionist and healthy living blogger on Healthfully Ever After.
