Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Name: Strawberry Chia Seed Jam
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 1 jar
Ingredients: 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped; 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference); 3 tablespoons chia seeds

Highlighted under: Quick Dessert Ideas

I love making homemade jam, and this Strawberry Chia Seed Jam has quickly become one of my favorites. It's incredibly simple to prepare, requires just a handful of ingredients, and is bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. Chia seeds act as a natural thickener, creating a beautifully spreadable consistency without any added pectin or preservatives. Whether it's slathered on toast or drizzled over yogurt, this jam is a delightful way to enjoy the vibrant taste of strawberries all year round.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T12:02:28.526Z

When I first stumbled upon the idea of chia seed jam, I was skeptical. Could such a simple method yield a delicious result? After experimenting with different fruits, strawberries won my heart for their sweetness and juiciness. Over the years, I've honed my technique to achieve the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, making my jam not just tasty, but also versatile. A tip I learned is to let the jam sit for a bit after cooking—it thickens beautifully!

This jam is not only easy to make, but it's also a great way to preserve strawberries when they are in season. I’ve found that using ripe berries is key to enhancing the flavor, and the vibrant color adds a lovely touch to any breakfast table. Plus, it’s a wonderful gift idea, packed in a cute jar with a ribbon.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Incredibly easy to make with just three ingredients
Natural sweetness from fresh strawberries, no added sugars
Versatile for breakfast, snacks, or desserts

Choosing the Right Strawberries

Selecting the right strawberries is crucial for achieving the best flavor in your jam. Look for strawberries that are bright red, plump, and fragrant. Avoid any with green or white patches, as they may not have fully developed their sweetness. I recommend using organic strawberries when possible, as they tend to have a richer flavor and fewer pesticide residues, enhancing the overall taste of your jam.

If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can substitute with frozen ones. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This will help maintain the right consistency in your jam while still ensuring that vibrant strawberry essence shines through.

Perfecting the Texture

The texture of your jam is largely determined by how you mash the strawberries. For a smooth jam, mash thoroughly until you achieve a fine consistency, but for a rustic jam, leave some chunks intact. Experiment with your preferred texture, but remember that chia seeds will continue to thicken the jam as it cools, so aim for a looser consistency while it's still warm to ensure a spreadable result.

When incorporating chia seeds, make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Stirring well will help activate their gelling properties and prevent clumping. Keep an eye on the jam while it simmers; it’s ready when it looks slightly glossy and begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, usually around 2-3 minutes of additional cooking.

Ingredients for Strawberry Chia Seed Jam

Ingredients

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
3 tablespoons chia seeds

Instructions

Prepare the Strawberries

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries and honey. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries are softened and starting to break down.

Mash the Mixture

Using a fork or potato masher, mash the strawberries to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier jam, leave some larger pieces.

Add Chia Seeds

Stir in the chia seeds, mixing thoroughly. Allow the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently.

Cool and Store

Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool for about 10-15 minutes. Once cooled, transfer it to a jar and refrigerate. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.

Pro Tips

Feel free to experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. The same method works well, and you can adjust the sweetness according to your preference.

Storage Tips

Once your strawberry chia seed jam has cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. If you find that it thickens too much in the refrigerator, simply stir in a small amount of water or a splash of lemon juice to loosen it up before serving.

For longer storage, consider freezing the jam. Transfer it to freezer-safe jars, leaving about half an inch of space at the top for expansion. Frozen jam will maintain its best quality for about six months, so you can enjoy your strawberry flavor long after the season ends.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry chia seed jam can be used in a multitude of ways. Spread it generously on toasted bread for a quick breakfast or drizzle it over cottage cheese or yogurt for a nutritious snack. It also makes an excellent filling for pastries or a topping for pancakes and waffles—adding a pop of color and flavor to your brunch.

For a delightful twist, mix the jam with a bit of cream cheese for a luscious spread, or swirl it into oatmeal for added sweetness. You can even use it as a filling in dessert bars or cheesecakes, allowing the fresh strawberry flavor to take center stage in your desserts.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, frozen strawberries can be used, but make sure to thaw and drain excess liquid first.

→ How long does this jam last?

This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

→ Can I make this jam sugar-free?

Absolutely! You can omit the sweetener or use a sugar substitute like stevia.

→ Is this jam suitable for canning?

This recipe is best stored in the refrigerator and not designed for traditional canning methods.