A new take on the popular Raspberry Chia seed Jam.

If you’ve been eating plant based for quite sometime, or read popular cookbooks on the topic I dare say you’ve come across Raspberry Chia seed Jam, and if not well you’re in for a treat with this recipe and please by all means search out the Raspberry version.

Blueberries are currently in season here in the southern hemisphere and if you’re lucky enough to live near a farmers market and local blueberry growers you can purchase a bucket, which although are usually second in quality, they’re perfect for making this jam recipe.

Another bonus of buying a bucket which you can later return to the farmer to be reused, you also save all those plastic packets that they’re usually packed in (if you’re from the US you don’t need to worry about this to my knowledge, berries are often packed in cardboard, genius idea, and I wish Australian growers would switch their packaging).

I’ve avoided the Raspberry version because it’s hard to find locally grown raspberries here but by all means if they’re abundant where you are, use them, you can just swap them berry for berry, the rest of the ingredients and method are the same.

Chia seeds and their wondrous powers strike again in this easiest jam ever… they’re what thickens the jam so there’s no need to mess around with adding extra pectin etc.

I’ve talked about the health benefits of chia seeds here if you need a refresher http://www.kitchenofjules.com/recipes/winter-brekky-at-its-best-filled-with-all-the-good-stuff/

Wake up to warm berry jam drizzled on crispy toast and a lovely cup of… or dollop a heaped spoonful on your porridge, sprinkled with nuts and seeds and spoonful of coconut yoghurt…..

We all know how good berries are for us, although they’re often sprayed heavily so opt for organically grown or spray free to reduce your chemical load (where possible).

Here is a refresher on why we should eat more berries….

~The blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is an excellent source of Antioxidants, namely Anthocyanidins which are responsible for the blue, purple and red pigments you find. These Antioxidants have been well researched and have found benefits ranging from protecting the brain from oxidative stress to reducing the risk of macular degeneration. Very cool.

~Another benefit of blueberries is promoting urinary tract health and minimising the effects of urinary tract infections, especially when combined with cranberry extracts.

~Blueberries are an abundant source of vitamin C, and Betacarotene. Great for immunity.

~They contain both soluble and insoluble fibre which also helps thicken this jam and does great things for your digestion.

~Blueberries also contain the mineral manganese in small amounts and a small amount of Vitamin E.

Ref. Murray. M and Pizzorno. J ‘The Encyclopaedia of Healing Foods’ p 261-262

I hope you feel inspired to add some more berries to your diet.

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This jam is so easy, it’s only 5 ingredients or less and one pot.

Slather it on your toast, top your porridge or chia pudding with it, layer it with overnight oats, or just eat it straight from the jar..rice cakes with nut butter, swirled into coconut yoghurt, the ideas are endless. 

This jam is 

Sweet but tart

Delicious 

Gluten free

Super healthy

Filled with fibre

Vegan

Low waste (where possible)

Low waste tips for the recipe

Chia seeds, try to opt for Australian or locally grown and from a bulk food store or package free store.

Rice syrup can be found Australian made in some bulk food stores.

Cinnamon, purchase package free where possible, it’s often imported but if you can find an organic and fair trade one that is always ideal.

Lemons, try to buy locally grown where possible and in season.

Berries, Blueberries or Raspberries, on this low waste journey it’s always in the forefront of my mind to look for solutions to waste issues especially in the food packaging arena.

And berries are a major issue in Australia, they’re either packaged in horrible plastic containers that are not always recycled (and let’s face it recycling should be the last option) and the other option is frozen berries that are imported, not even Australian grown and they’re packaged in a plastic zip lock bag. The third option is dried berries from the bulk food store which you could get in a paper bag or bring your own container but those dried berries are often imported too with added sugar. So the best solution I’ve found to this Berry packaging dilemma is to wait for local growers to your area to sell their berries at the local farmers markets and this ensures you’re eating with the Berry season as well. 

Obviously you could also grow your own berries to reduce all packaging and food miles. 

Strawberries and mulberries are probably the easiest to grow if you live in a subtropical climate like us, if you’re lucky enough to live in a temperate or cool climate you can grow all kinds of delicious berries like blackberries and raspberries etc. 

Have you tried growing your own berries? I’d love to hear your experience 

And let me know if you’ve tried this recipe or any other chia jam recipe that you love.

Thanks for reading.

Alli x