This super easy blueberry chia seed jam with basil and lime is a great alternative to normal sugar packed jams as it is Refined Sugar Free. Perfect for stirring into porridge, adding to your toast and so much more.
Easy blueberry chia seed jam with basil and lime
Chia jams became all the rage last year and I still think they are a great way to whip up a quick and easy jam using up what’s in the kitchen in small quantities that you’ll use up quickly. My refined sugar free blueberry chia jam has basil and lime for extra depth and flavour, think you’ll like it.
What is chia jam?
So what the hell is chia jam and how is it different from ‘normal’ jam? Well it’s all in those magical little chia seeds. Chia seeds are packed with protein and other goodies and when they hit liquid they expand and become all jelly like.
You can make puddings with them (I have) and they do have just a wee tendency to look a little like frog spawn which can be a tad off-putting, but when they pull a jam together chia seeds are a marvel.
I call this a sugar free jam because I use a little honey as my sweetening agent, okay so it is a sweetener but it is just slightly better for you than good old refined white sugar.
Chia seeds
Did you know that these amazing little seeds are actually related to the mint family.
Chia seeds date right back to antiquity and were used by the Aztecs. In fact the word ‘chia’ is the ancient Mayan word for ‘strength’.
They are packed with protein so not only are they good for you but keep you feeling fuller for longer.
Full of fibre and no fat.Oh, and loads of antioxidants and vitamins and minerals.
All this goodness means they may actually help lower your chances of heart problems. Lower chronic inflammation and help aid bone density.
Chia seeds help to stabilise blood sugar levels too.
Ingredients for blueberry chia jam
- blueberries
- chia seeds
- honey
- lime
- basil
How to make chia jam
Oh making chia seed jam is just SO easy. There is none of the boiling to reach a magical setting point.
The chia seeds are the setting agent so they do all that for you. As the jam rests the seeds expand and turn into a gel that makes the perfect chia jam!
You will just blitz those blueberries in a food processor then heat them up with all other ingredients (apart from the basil) for approximately 5 – 10 minutes, add the minced basil.
Then carefully spoon into a small sterilised jar.
How long will this blueberry chia jam keep?
Chia seed jams will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. That’s why I just make small quantities of chia jam at a time. Actually it’s a great way to use up half a punnet of berries or a few pieces of fruit lurking in the fruit bowl.
Is chia seed jam healthy?
Yes, yes, yes! Chia seeds are packed with protein. Plus you have the goodness of the fruit you are mixing in with the chia seeds. You are using natural sweeteners so avoiding refined sugar. Chia jams are a win, win situation on the healthy eating front.
How to serve chia jam
Spread this chia jam on your toast, use it as a filling in a cake. You can swirl chia jam into your yogurt or use it on your over night oats or stir into your porridge for that all-important healthy breakfast.
Want to try some other chia seed recipes? Then check these out before you go;
Apricot and almond chia seed jam
Sugar free strawberry chia seed parfait
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Easy blueberry chia seed jam with lime and basil
Ingredients
- 250 g/1 cup fresh blueberries
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- 4 tbsp water
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Blitz berries in food processor
- Heat together with the chia seeds, water, honey, lime juice and zest
- Cook over medium heat for approximately 5-10 minutes
- Stir in the minced basil leaves
- Spoon into a sterilised jar and set aside for 30 minutes to set
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