Easy Homemade Strawberry Chia Jam Recipe – No Pectin Needed!

If you want a quick and healthy way to enjoy homemade jam, strawberry chia jam is a great choice. You can make it with just a few simple ingredients, and it sets naturally without extra pectin or sugar. This makes it easier and healthier than traditional jams.

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Canning your strawberry chia jam lets you store it safely for months. Plus, it’s perfect for spreading on toast or stirring into yogurt whenever you want a fresh taste of summer. Keep reading, and you’ll learn how to make and can this delicious jam at home.

How to Make Strawberry Chia Jam for Canning

You will need specific ingredients and tools to make strawberry chia jam that is safe for canning. Following clear steps ensures your jam sets well and stays fresh. Proper storage will keep your jam good for months.

Essential Ingredients and Supplies

You need fresh strawberries, chia seeds, lemon juice, and sugar or a sweetener of your choice. Strawberries should be ripe but firm for the best flavor and texture. Chia seeds act as a natural thickener.

For supplies, have clean glass jars with lids, a large pot for cooking, a ladle, and a canning funnel. A water bath canner is important to sterilize jars and seal them safely. Use new or well-maintained lids to avoid contamination.

Strawberry Chia Jam Canning Recipe

Ingredients:

4 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/2 to 3/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

Equipment:

Canning jars (pint or half-pint)
Lids and bands
Large pot for water bath
Ladle and canning funnel
Clean cloth or paper towels
Potato masher or fork

Instructions:

Prepare the Strawberries:

Wash, hull, and chop the strawberries.
Place them in a large bowl and mash lightly with a potato masher or fork to release juices but still keep some texture.

Cook the Jam:

Transfer the mashed strawberries to a large saucepan.
Add sugar and lemon juice.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.
Reduce heat and simmer for about 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture slightly thickens.
Add Chia Seeds:
Remove the pan from heat.
Stir in chia seeds thoroughly.
Let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes to thicken as the chia seeds absorb the liquid.

Prepare Jars:

While the jam is thickening, sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water or running them through a dishwasher cycle.
Keep jars warm until ready to fill.

Fill Jars:

Using a funnel and ladle, fill the hot jars with the hot jam, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace at the top. You can measure the headspace with this convenient canning funnel.
Wipe rims clean with a damp cloth.
Place lids on jars and screw bands until fingertip tight.

Process in Water Bath:

Place jars in a boiling water bath canner, ensuring water covers jars by at least 1 inch.
Process pint jars for 10 minutes (adjust time if you are at high altitude).
Remove jars and let cool on a towel or rack undisturbed for 12-24 hours.

Check Seals:

After cooling, check lids for a proper seal (lid should not flex up and down when pressed).
Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place.
Refrigerate any jars that did not seal properly and use within a few weeks.

Notes:

The jam will thicken more as it cools.
You can adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference or use honey or maple syrup.
Chia seeds help thicken the jam without traditional pectin.
This recipe makes approximately 3-4 half-pint jars.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry chia jam on toast, yogurt, or as a topping for desserts!

Safe Storage and Shelf Life

Store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Avoid direct sunlight or heat.

Properly canned strawberry chia jam will last up to a year unopened. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and use it within 2 to 3 weeks.

If you notice any mold, off smell, or changes in color, throw the jam out. Do not taste if you see these signs. Always label jars with the date canned to keep track.

Creative Tips and Serving Ideas

You can change up the flavor of your strawberry chia jam by mixing in other fruits. You can also use the jam in many different recipes beyond just spreading it on toast.

Flavor Variations with Other Fruits

Try adding blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries to your strawberry chia jam. These berries blend well and add a new taste without needing extra sugar.

You can also mix in small pieces of peaches or mango for a sweeter, tropical twist. Use about half the amount of the second fruit compared to the strawberries.

To keep the jam thick, adjust chia seeds if you add watery fruits. More chia seeds make the jam firmer.

Remember to cook juicy fruits briefly before mixing with chia seeds so the jam doesn’t get too watery.

Using Strawberry Chia Jam in Recipes

Your strawberry chia jam works great as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. It adds natural sweetness and texture.

You can also use it as a filling in sandwiches or thumbprint cookies.

Try mixing a spoonful into oatmeal or smoothie bowls for extra flavor.

Use the jam in salad dressings by stirring it into vinegar and oil for a fruity twist.

It’s also tasty when spread on cream cheese with crackers as a simple snack you can make fast.

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