Supermarket Jams are either loaded with high levels of sugar or, at the other end of the spectrum, have artificial sweeteners or preservatives added to it. However, making home-made jam sounds like such a tedious, 14th century project. Also, who has time to figure out canning temperatures and equipment?
But, have no fear – there is a super simple hack to make Jam. This is such a simple recipe!! You can make it with just 2 ingredients = frozen fruit + chia seeds in about 10 minutes!!
The only downside – Make small batches. Use it up within a week. But, given how tasty it is, how versatile its uses are – how could this be a problem?
Why use frozen fruit?
- No peeling
- No chopping
- No added sugar needed to release water …Just thaw them (see reason below)
*Nerd alert =>>Freezing fruits and vegetables freezes the water contained in the plant cells. When the water freezes, it expands and the ice crystals cause the cell walls to rupture. When thawed, the cell walls are no longer holding it up.
Thus when you heat frozen fruit like strawberry or blueberry, water oozes out without needing to add any sugar.
Chia Seeds = Awesome!!
Chia seeds is a thickener and nutritious…double Wow!!
As tiny as those seeds are, they’re packed with omega-3s, protein, fibres and antioxidants.
Recipe
A quick sugar free homemade Jam made with frozen fruit ready in 10 minutes. Make healthy blueberry jam, pineapple jam, mango jam etc super easily!!
- 2 cups Frozen fruit (berries are easiest, but you can also try with other fruit)
- 2 tsp Chia Seeds
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Measure out frozen cup and heat in a saucepan in medium heat. Once water started oozing out of the fruit, add chia seeds, stir.
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Switch off the heat once the fruit is boiling. Close the pan and let it set for 5-10 minutes. Serve.
Fruits that have more starch content (like mango, pineapple) may take longer to soften. You could blitz them with a blender, add a spoon of sugar, or few tablespoons of water to help the process.
Step by Step Pics
This is it…Let the fruit stew in its juices. The chia seeds will do the thickening…Done!!
Uses
How about some Peanut butter and Jam Sandwich??
Or top it on some plain yogurt…
Or for a fruit kick to your cereal or granola…
The possibilities are endless..
Conclusion
Since making this is so easy, I love to make a lot of flavors at once. The spread of jam with different colors feels so… fancy. The kids love to choose from different options.
Are you a fan of jam? Have you made home-made jam before? Please share your thoughts and comments down below. As always, I look forward to hearing from you.
Made this today, looking for a keto option that I don’t feel too guilty about. 🙂 It is delish!!! Fast to make and even my kid thinks it’s great. Can’t wait to put this on keto vanilla ice cream!!!
Thank you for your feedback…happy to hear it!!
how long can you keep it in the fridge
Hi Susan, I would try to make small batches and use within 2-3 days.