Strawberry & Vanilla Chia Seed Jam Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can you use chia seeds instead of pectin? ›

We deserve better. Better we shall have, and not only that, it will be far easier than making jam like grandma used to. The answer: chia seeds. These little orbs of nutrients hold up to 30 times their own weight in water, making them the perfect substitute for jam-thickening pectin.

I like to store my Jam in an airtight glass container in the fridge, where it'll last between 7-14 days. If you don't think you'll use all of your Jam before then, you can always cut the recipe in half! Speaking of Jam uses…you can use this healthy Chia Jam pretty much anywhere you would use regular Jam or Jelly!

If you've ever tried making chia pudding or chia eggs, you know that chia seeds naturally “gel” after sitting in liquid for about 10 minutes.

They are full of antioxidants that protect our bodies against free radicals and they are also full of fiber which is excellent for our digestive health. Chia seeds are an easy way to add minerals to your diet- they're are full of calcium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese, niacin, and magnesium.

Medicines: Avoid taking chia seeds if you are taking medications like anticoagulants and antiplatelets (prevent blood clots), anti-hypertensive (treats high blood pressure), anti-cancer, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids, as chia seeds might interact with these medicines.

Making Jam with Chia Seeds

The best ratio of fruit to chia seeds is two cups of fruit to two tablespoons of chia seeds. Start with this ratio, then if your fruit was very juicy or you'd like a thicker consistency, stir in more chia seeds one teaspoon at a time.

Chia seeds can expire due to their high amounts of fatty oil. Over time, the oil in the seeds will begin to oxidize, chemically altering the quality of the seeds until they are completely rancid. You can tell if your chia seeds have spoiled in several ways. The first is to check for signs of moisture or mold.

The first is to check for signs of moisture or mold. Mold grows very quickly in chia seeds that have gotten moist, so if you see any dampness at all, you can conclude that the seeds are no longer edible. Next, look for seeds that have clumped together, as this is a sign that the oil inside the seeds is rancid.

Eating them dry can give a crunchy feeling and they're great in smoothies or baking. Just remember to drink enough water when you eat them dry so they don't soak up water in your stomach, which might make you feel thirsty. So, soaking chia seeds is good, but it's not compulsory. You can enjoy them dry too.

When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture.

Can I soak chia seeds in yogurt? ›

For raw chia seeds, you can soak chia seeds with warm water first and then use them or sprinkle a spoonful of chia seeds directly into yogurt, wait 15-20 minutes for the chia seeds to bloom and then use. Can be used with many other fruits such as watermelon, strawberry, mango, ... to make the dish more attractive.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

Eating too many chia seeds may cause side effects, such as digestive issues, allergic reactions, or weight gain. In moderation, however, chia seeds can be a nutritious addition to a balanced diet.

They help in regulating the female hormones and make it easier for women to get pregnant. Chia seeds are also good sources of zinc, iron, magnesium, fiber, and antioxidants. All these have benefits for female fertility in the following ways: Producing healthy eggs and red blood cells.

Citrus Peels - Naturally high in pectin, you can substitute citrus peels for pectin. Cornstarch - Another plant-based thickening agent, cornstarch is a great substitute for pectin. Gelatin - For non-vegan menu items, you can substitute gelatin for pectin, but it will yield a different consistency.

I've noticed grocery stores like Whole Foods with lots of these drinks, in every flavor under the sun. To make your own, simple mix about a tablespoon of chia seeds into a glass of fruit juice, then refrigerate for a couple hours. The chia seeds will gel and thicken the drink.

That is right – chia seeds can be used as a direct substitute to pectin! This strawberry chia jam comes together in minutes and uses no refined sugar or pectin.

What is noticeable, however, is that chia seeds absorb liquid and act as a thickening agent. For vegans, and those who for whatever reason can't eat eggs, it is a great benefit of chia seeds that they can be used as an egg substitute.