We all have those foods that become staples in our families over time. One major must-have in the Thompson crew is jelly. My dad has always been absolutely crazy for all forms of jelly and jam since his grandmother made homemade varieties with fresh fruits right off the farm when he was a little boy.
And while you can’t beat the real deal, I always strive to make healthier versions of the foods we love. My simple spin on homemade jam not only allows you to reap the incredible benefits of chia seeds (one of my go-to superfoods), but it also eliminates the additional refined sugar and takes only minutes to whip up.
If you’re not familiar with this particular type of jam, chia seeds’ powerful outer shells have the ability to absorb 10 times their weight in liquid, which creates a gel-like consistency and allows the jam to thicken naturally. This removes the need for pectin that’s typically included in jam and jelly.
Plus, chia seeds are packed with protein, nutrients and digestion-boosting fiber, making them one of the stars of my Superfoods 101 e-book! Download the free guide for 5 brand new recipes and a discount on all the Navitas Organics superfood products I love. Plus, you’ll find another one of my favorite ways to put these seeds to use (spoiler alert: it has a festive, fall twist )
While you can certainly use any fruit you prefer and have on hand, I chose raspberries for their sweet, tangy flavor and incredible color. But don’t forget to check out my Fresh Peach Chia Jam for another summertime-inspired version! You can always find any of these fruits in the frozen section so seasonality isn’t an issue.
Likewise, I found that this recipe didn’t need any additional sweetener, but you can easily add a bit of maple syrup or honey if you prefer. Or serve this jam with Pass the Honey honeycomb for even more health benefits without the mess. Honeycomb is loaded with essential minerals including calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium. Plus, it’s a powerful liver protectant and extremely beneficial for gut health.
So whether or not jelly and jam are institutions in your household as they were in mine growing up, I know this simple, delicious recipe will be a new staple in your own kitchen. Spread on toast, top your yogurt bowl or oatmeal for a healthy, delicious boost of flavor and nutrition!
- 1 bag (10 oz - about 2 heaping cups) frozen raspberries
- zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chia seeds
- optional: honey or maple syrup to taste
Use your spoon or spatula to break up the raspberry pieces if need be.
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