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You need 2 cups of fresh strawberries for this jam. Make sure they are ripe and sweet. Hull them and chop them into small pieces. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor and color to your jam. Use 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup. This sweetener adds a rich taste. You can adjust this amount based on how sweet you want your jam. If you like it sweeter, feel free to add more. You will need 2 tablespoons of chia seeds. These tiny seeds help thicken the jam. They absorb liquid and create a nice texture. Plus, they add a boost of fiber and nutrients. Add 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. This ingredient gives the jam a warm, sweet flavor. It blends well with the strawberries and enhances the taste. Just a pinch of sea salt is needed. This tiny amount helps balance the sweetness. It brings out the natural flavors of the strawberries and maple syrup. Start by washing your strawberries. Remove the green tops and chop them into small pieces. This will help them cook faster and release their juices. In a medium saucepan, add the chopped strawberries. Pour in 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup and a pinch of sea salt. Turn the heat to medium and stir gently. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. You will see the strawberries soften and break apart. Once the strawberries are soft, grab a fork or potato masher. Mash the strawberries to your liking. If you prefer a smooth jam, mash them well. If you like some chunks, mash a little less. Now it's time to mix in the chia seeds. Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds along with 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Stir well to make sure the chia seeds are spread evenly in the mixture. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds will soak up the liquid. This will help your jam thicken nicely. After resting, taste your jam. If you want it sweeter, add more maple syrup. Stir well to combine any extra sweetness. Carefully pour the jam into a clean jar or airtight container. Let it cool completely before sealing the jar. For best results, refrigerate the jam for at least one hour. This chilling time helps it thicken more and enhances the flavor. When picking strawberries, look for bright red ones with a strong scent. They should feel firm but not too hard. Avoid berries with white or green spots. These spots mean they are not ripe. Fresh strawberries give the best flavor for your jam. If you can, buy local or organic strawberries. They taste better and are often fresher. The recipe calls for maple syrup for sweetness. You can add more or less syrup to fit your taste. Try starting with 1/4 cup, then taste the mixture. If you want it sweeter, add a little more syrup. Remember, the sweetness can change as the jam cools. Always taste before you finish! To get the right jam thickness, let it rest. Chia seeds absorb liquid and help thicken the jam. After cooking, let it sit for 10-15 minutes. If you want it thicker, you can add more chia seeds. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit of water or extra strawberries. Keep adjusting until it’s just right for you! {{image_4}} You can mix in other fruits to make this jam unique. Blueberries, raspberries, or peaches work well. Just keep the same amount of fruit. If you want a berry blend, try equal parts strawberries and blueberries. This adds different flavors and colors to your jam. Adding spices can change the flavor profile of your jam. A sprinkle of cinnamon brings warmth. You can also try ginger or nutmeg for a zesty kick. Just add a small amount while cooking the strawberries. Taste it as you go to find the perfect balance. If you want a sugar-free jam, you can use stevia or monk fruit sweetener. These options can replace maple syrup. You may need to adjust the amount based on the sweetness you prefer. Using ripe fruit can also help keep the jam sweet without added sugars. To keep your jam fresh, store it in a clean jar. Glass jars work best. Make sure to seal it tightly. This helps keep out air and moisture. You can also use an airtight container. If your jam is warm, allow it to cool before sealing. This prevents condensation inside the jar. If you leave your jam out at room temperature, it lasts for one day. After that, you should refrigerate it. Keeping it out can cause spoilage. Always check for any signs of mold or off smells before using. If you see or smell anything unusual, it is best to throw it away. In the fridge, your jam can last up to two weeks. Store it in the back of the fridge for the best results. The back is usually cooler than the front. When you open the jar, use clean utensils each time. This prevents bacteria from getting in. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Just pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first. The flavor will still be great. The jam may be a bit thinner, so be ready to adjust the chia seeds. The jam lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar. Make sure it’s sealed well to keep it fresh. Chia seed jam is super versatile! You can spread it on toast or pancakes. It’s also great on yogurt or oatmeal. Try it in smoothies or as a topping for desserts! Yes, this jam is both gluten-free and vegan! It uses only plant-based ingredients. You can enjoy it without any worries about dietary restrictions. To make a larger batch, simply multiply the ingredients. Keep the same ratio for strawberries and chia seeds. Adjust the cooking time slightly if needed. Just make sure to use a bigger pot! You can create delicious strawberry vanilla chia seed jam using fresh ingredients like berries and maple syrup. We covered steps to prep, cook, and store your jam. I shared tips on choosing berries and achieving the right consistency. You even learned tasty variations. This jam is easy, fun, and fits many diets. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and sharing your results. This jam can brighten any meal or snack. Enjoy the process and the sweet reward!

Strawberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam

Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade Strawberry Vanilla Chia Seed Jam! This easy recipe combines fresh strawberries, pure maple syrup, and chia seeds for a delicious spread that you can enjoy on toast or yogurt. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a perfect treat for breakfast or snacks. Click through to discover the full recipe and learn how to make this irresistible jam that will have everyone asking for seconds!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1/4 cup pure maple syrup (adjust based on desired sweetness)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

A pinch of sea salt

Instructions
 

In a medium-sized saucepan, add the chopped strawberries and set over medium heat.

    Pour in the maple syrup and sprinkle in a pinch of sea salt. Gently stir the mixture to ensure that all the strawberries are well-coated.

      Allow the strawberries to cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want to watch as they soften and begin to break apart, releasing their sweet juices.

        Once the strawberries are soft, use a fork or potato masher to mash them to your preferred consistency, whether you enjoy it smooth or with some chunks.

          Stir in the chia seeds and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to ensure that the chia seeds are evenly distributed throughout the strawberry mixture.

            Remove the saucepan from heat and let the mixture rest for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds will absorb liquid, thickening your jam beautifully.

              After resting, taste the jam and adjust the sweetness if needed — feel free to add a touch more maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

                Carefully transfer the jam into a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing the jar.

                  For best results, refrigerate the jam for at least one hour before using it. This will help it thicken even more and deepen the flavors.

                    - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 30 mins | Makes about 1 cup, perfect for spreading on toast or dolloping over yogurt!