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–+ servings

Kid-Friendly Chia Seed Berry Jam: The Healthier Way to Spread the Love

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Course Breakfast, Snack, Spread
Servings 2 jars

Ingredients
  

  • 350 g strawberries  (fresh or frozen)
  • 350 g raspberries  (fresh or frozen)
  • 4 tbsp honey or maple syrup (you can adjust this for sweetness)
  • 1-2 tbsp vanilla extract
  • 60 g chia seeds (either whole or milled – whole seeds give it a bit more texture)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice  (optional – but it brightens the flavor!)
  • Optional: Extra sugar or more vanilla if you prefer a sweeter jam.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Berries

  • Start by adding the strawberries and raspberries to a medium-sized pot. You can use fresh or frozen berries – whatever you have on hand.
  • Place the pot over medium heat and gently heat the berries, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. The berries will start to release their juices and soften up. Keep stirring to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Sweeten & Flavour

  • Once the berries are completely softened and heated through (after about 5-7 minutes), stir in the honey or maple syrup and vanilla extract. Continue to cook for 1 more minute, allowing the flavoyrs to combine.
  • At this stage, you can also taste the jam. If you want it a bit sweeter, add a little extra sugar or vanilla. You can easily adjust the sweetness to your child’s liking!

Step 3: Blend the Jam

  • Remove the pot from the heat and use an immersion blender to blend the berry mixture until it’s smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor.
  • Pro tip: If your kids love a little bit of texture in their jam, you can blend it less and leave some berry chunks. It’s totally up to you!

Step 4: Stir in the Chia Seeds & Lemon Juice

  • Once the berry mixture is blended, stir in the chia seeds. Chia seeds will naturally thicken the jam as it cools, creating that perfect spreadable texture. Stir well to make sure the seeds are evenly distributed.
  • If you like, you can also add lemon juice at this point to give the jam a nice zesty kick. The lemon juice helps balance out the sweetness and adds a bit of freshness to the flavour.
  • Set the pot aside for 20 minutes to let the chia seeds work their magic and thicken the jam. Stir it once or twice during this time to make sure it thickens evenly.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

  • Once the jam has thickened, it’s time to jar it up! Carefully sterilize two jars by washing them in hot soapy water and then placing them in the oven at 170°C/340°F for about 10 minutes.
  • Once your jars are ready, pour the jam into the jars while it’s still warm. Let the jars cool completely before sealing them with a lid.
Keyword Berries, Fruit, Healthy, Refined Sugar Free, Snack
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