Three-ingredient freezer jam made with blueberries, maple syrup, and chia seeds. No cooking, no canning, no pectin needed. Mash, stir, and wait fifteen minutes.
Traditional jam recipes call for as much sugar as fruit, a candy thermometer, and sterilised jars. This one uses three ingredients: berries, maple syrup, and chia seeds. You mash the berries, stir everything together, and wait fifteen minutes. The chia seeds do all the thickening.
It will not last on a shelf for months. But it tastes like fruit because it is almost entirely fruit, and it freezes well in sealed containers for whenever you need it. I stopped buying jam the week I figured this out.
Tips for Making Blueberry Chia Seed Freezer Jam
Control the texture with your mash
How much you mash the berries determines whether you get a smooth jam or a chunky one. A fork gives you a rustic texture with large pieces. A potato masher makes it smoother.
If you want something closer to store-bought, an immersion blender works, but it will be thinner until the chia seeds set.
Give the chia seeds time
Ten to fifteen minutes is the minimum. The jam continues to thicken as it sits. Check it at fifteen minutes and stir again.
If the jam is too thick after setting, stir in a tablespoon of water. Too thin, add another teaspoon of chia seeds and wait another ten minutes.
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Blueberry Chia Seed Freezer Jam
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: Makes 1 cup 1x
Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian
Description
No-cook freezer jam thats bursting with fresh blueberries and a delightful chia seed texture. A healthy and delicious treat!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Instructions
- Combine the berries and syrup in a bowl.
- Gently mash the berries until they reach your desired texture.
- Add the chia seeds and mix well.
- Let the berry-chia seed mixture sit for 10-15 minutes until thickened.
- Refrigerate or freeze in a sealed container.
Notes
- For a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to puree the berries after mashing.
- Adjust the amount of maple syrup/honey to your liking, depending on the sweetness of your blueberries.
- Freeze the jam in ice cube trays for easy portioning and quick thawing.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 10
- Sodium: 1
- Fat: 1
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this freezer jam last?
In the fridge, about one to two weeks. In the freezer, up to three months. It does not contain the sugar or pectin that gives traditional jam its long shelf life, so treat it more like fresh fruit.
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before mashing. Frozen berries are actually easier to mash and release more juice, so you may need slightly more chia seeds to thicken.
Why chia seeds and not pectin?
Chia seeds absorb liquid and form a gel naturally, thickening the jam without cooking or added pectin. They also add fibre and keep the texture slightly textured rather than smooth. If you prefer a smoother jam, blend everything after the chia seeds have set.