Got berries? Make this mixed berry chia jam! It’s loaded with chia seeds, blackberries, strawberries and blueberries. Delicious slathered on that morning toast or over oats. Homemade jam couldn’t be easier!
Hubby and I had a lovely staycation vacation last week and the weather couldn’t have been better!
I think it has been the nicest summer we’ve had in a long time. Aside from relaxing, we managed to get some odds and ends done around the house that has been on our to-do list, like clean the windows and stain the deck.
Actually, the staining wasn’t too bad. We put the paint brush on a broom handle and it made things so much easier. I even joked to hubby that I was almost having fun. Ha!
We enjoyed lots of good eats even had a fun hike and picnic at Cape Spear. We took fur baby and got lots of photogenic pics of him (as always).
Speaking of good eats, I’ve been constantly stuffing my mouth with all the berries. You too?
Between local farmer’s markets and the grocery store, every time I go I fill my cart with them.
They’re too hard to resist and they are a heck of a lot better for me than candy.
When I’m not enjoying as is, mixed berry chia jam is always a favourite!
Enjoy homemade jam? Check out this rhubarb jam with orange and ginger!
Why We Love Chia Jam
- This homemade jam is made with less than 10 ingredients.
- It comes together quickly.
- You can use fresh or frozen berries.
- It tastes so delicious!!
Can I Use Frozen Berries?
Yes!
I used fresh berries because they were in season.
However, you can use frozen berries, but the cook time will take a little longer (as they will release excess moisture).
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot!ย I love to break out my small Dutch oven.ย It’s heavy so it’s less likely that the berries will stick.
- Only want to use two types of berries, or even one? Go for it! Just make sure you use 3 cups in total.
- Chop your strawberries a little before adding to pot so they break down a little easier.
- Want your chia seed jam to be a little sweeter? Add more maple syrup to taste.
- Let this homemade jam cool! It will thicken more as it cools.
- Like your jam with a little more texture? Mash it less. Like it smoother? Mash it more. You do you!
Ways To Enjoy
- Toast, of course! Speaking of toast, do you have to have anything on your toast before you put jam on there? Me? Butter. Always.
- Spoon it over Greek yogurt and add some mixed nuts for that mid afternoon snack or easy breakfast.
- Make a crostini! Top some toasted baguette with goat cheese or ricotta and then a dollop of this chia seed jam. Crisped prosciutto would also be a lovely addition.
More Easy Berry Recipes
If you make this berry chia jam recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!
Mixed Berry Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 1 cup strawberries, green tops removed and strawberries roughly chopped
- 1 cup blackberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
Instructions
- Combine strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, maple syrup, lemon zest, lemon juice and vanilla extract in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-low heat
- Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring often, for about 5 to 8 minutes or until berries have broken down slightly.
- Mash the berries to your desired consistency.
- Add chia seeds and stir to combine.ย Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring often.ย Mixture will thicken a little more as it cools.ย Makes roughly 1.25 cups. Allow to cool (jam will further thicken as it cools), portion into a storage jar, cover and store in the refrigerator. Enjoy within a few days up to a week.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot! I love to break out my small Dutch oven. It’s heavy so it’s less likely that the berries will stick (aka burn).
- I used fresh berries here and that’s what I recommend. You could use frozen berries, but the cook time will take a little longer as they will release excess moisture.
- Chop your strawberries a little before adding to pot so they break down a little easier.
- Want your chia seed jam to be a little sweeter? Add more maple syrup to taste.
- Like your jam with a little more texture? Mash it less. Like it smoother? Mash it more. You do you!
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
ยฉ Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Miriam
Glad you & your husband had a nice staycation! Great tips on how to make this homemade jam – love the colour!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking
I love all kinds of chia jam Dawn! This one has such a bright and vibrant colour! Chia jam was the first recipe I shared on my site, and I actually have another one in the works! I love chia jam on a One Bun (from Costco!) with peanut butter. Gotta have peanut butter with my chia jam! As for the berries, I’m with you Dawn. Everywhere I go, I’m stocking up. The fridge is overflowing! Glad you had a fun and productive staycation! ๐
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Leanne! So good, right? And too easy! Happy Friday to ya!
Kevin
I could use this jam every morning! Love the chia seeds in there!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Kevin ๐
Annemarie
I love thickening jam with chia seeds, and your version looks amazing! I need to stock up on berries while they’re on sale this month so I can try this.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you so much ๐ Hope you enjoy!
David @ Spiced
I am all about the fresh summer berries, too, Dawn! In fact, we have a bunch of blueberries in the fridge right now, and I’m thinking a blueberry version of this would be excellent. (Not that I have anything against the raspberries and blackberries…I just don’t have any on hand right now!) I love a good slice of toasted bread (always with butter, too!) and jam. I definitely need to try this one out. And the maple addition here is pretty cool, too!
Girl Heart Food
Ha! I just made a blueberry one last night ๐ Thanks David! Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Kelly Anthony
This seriously looks SO amazing! All I need is some toast and I’m going to town!!!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks a bunch, Kelly ๐
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
I love how healthy and beautiful this jam is! It would be perfect on top of pancakes or toast. I must try this recipe because it looks soooo good!
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Dominique! On pancakes would be a lovely idea ๐
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
What a beautiful jam! Perfect way to preserve all the Summer berry goodness ๐
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Jennifer! Sure is ๐
Ben|Havocinthekitchen
I’ve seen many jam recipes calling for chia seeds, but I’ve never tried it. It looks and sounds super delicious! Love the touch of maple syrup and vanilla. And personally, sometimes I butter my toasts, but sometimes I spread plain cheese instead which goes particularly well with fruit and berry preserves.
Girl Heart Food
It is super delicious and so so easy! Cheese spread is pretty yummy too! Thanks Ben ๐
Gloria
Chia seeds are so nutritious and versatile. The perfect way to thicken jam. Homemade jam is the BEST!! Great for gifts too.
Girl Heart Food
So true! Thanks Gloria ๐
Kristy Bernardo
I love that you used THREE berries in this jam! What a wonderful blend of flavors.
Girl Heart Food
Thank you Kristy!
Laura
Thereโs absolutely nothing like homemade jam! This is a lovely recipe that would not last more than a day in my house – toast, ice cream, spoons, weโd eat it on everything!
Girl Heart Food
So true! Thank you Laura! Doesn’t last long in our home either ๐
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
I LOVE chia jam! It’s my favorite oatmeal topping. And toast topping and yogurt topping. . .and treat to eat with a spoon :). Your pics are beautiful! PS, what are we going to do when berry season is over? I’m already having anxiety! Have a great week, Dawn!
Girl Heart Food
So yummy, right?? Thanks Kelsie! Have a great week too ๐
Milena
Oh, you are on a jam roll! Love that you used chia seeds. I used to add them to salads and pancakes and then kind of stopped using them. But I remember they can thicken liquids. So perfect for making a jam. Sounds like you guys had a wonderful week off! The pictures I saw you share were stunning.
Girl Heart Food
Haha…yes, I think so ๐ Thank you Milena!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
So glad you’re having a great summer Dawn. And so happy you both enjoyed your birthdays and your little staycation! I’m loving this jam, and the addition of those healthy chia seeds. Jam is one of my favorite things to make with all the beautiful summer berries! Happy Monday love!
Girl Heart Food
Thanks Mary Ann! Hope you are too ๐ Happy Monday right back at ya!
annie@ciaochowbambina
This would be perfect on my Italian toast this morning!! Welcome back from staycation! I too am winding down from our family vacation and will be back in full swing very soon! Have a great day, my friend! XOXO
Girl Heart Food
Totally!! Thanks Annie! Have a great day too ๐ XOXO