Strawberry & Vanilla Chia Seed Jam Recipe (2024)

FAQs

How much chia seed to thicken jam? ›

The mixture might look a little runny and juicy at first, but it will thicken up significantly when you let it chill in the fridge. I like to start by adding just 1 tablespoon of chia seeds to this recipe, but you can add more later, if your jam hasn't thickened up enough.

I like to store my Jam in an airtight glass container in the fridge, where it'll last between 7-14 days. If you don't think you'll use all of your Jam before then, you can always cut the recipe in half! Speaking of Jam uses…you can use this healthy Chia Jam pretty much anywhere you would use regular Jam or Jelly!

When chia seeds come in contact with liquid, they expand and form a gel. This makes them easier to digest. Chia seeds do not need to be soaked for a long time. In just five minutes, they have absorbed liquid, but we prefer to soak them for 20 minutes to achieve a pudding-like texture.

Chia seeds as part of a healthy diet

There is no RDA for chia seeds. Still, they can be safely eaten in amounts of 50 grams daily, which is about five tablespoons. Two tablespoons provide all of the nutritional benefits listed above.

We deserve better. Better we shall have, and not only that, it will be far easier than making jam like grandma used to. The answer: chia seeds. These little orbs of nutrients hold up to 30 times their own weight in water, making them the perfect substitute for jam-thickening pectin.

The secret ingredient to making jam without pectin is time. The fruit and sugar need plenty of time to cook and thicken. A long, slow boil drives the moisture out of the fruit, helping to preserve and thicken it at the same time.

Chia seeds can expire due to their high amounts of fatty oil. Over time, the oil in the seeds will begin to oxidize, chemically altering the quality of the seeds until they are completely rancid. You can tell if your chia seeds have spoiled in several ways. The first is to check for signs of moisture or mold.

Chia seeds that have turned rancid may appear slimy, contain bugs, have mold, or noticeably clump together.

Chia seeds are a little food that pack a big, nutritious punch! They are full of antioxidants that protect our bodies against free radicals and they are also full of fiber which is excellent for our digestive health.

The fiber in chia seeds is mainly soluble fiber and mucilage, the substance responsible for the gluey texture of moistened chia seeds. These fibers may help to lower LDL cholesterol and slow down digestion, which can prevent blood sugar spikes after eating a meal and promote a feeling of fullness.

Why are my chia seeds not expanding in milk? ›

Seeds Not Expanding

"Using a liquid that's too thick will not properly hydrate your chia seeds," explains Roszkowski, adding that they're botanically built to swell when they come in contact with water. Solution: With that in mind, it's best to use water or another thin liquid like juice, tea, or nut milk.

In fact, it's chia's gelling properties that put the small, mottled seeds in a league of their own. As the seeds' soluble fiber absorbs water (up to 10 times their volume), it swells and gels the seeds in a matter of minutes.

Omega-3 fatty acids: Chia seeds contain a high amount of omega-3 fatty acids. It is known that high levels of omega-3 fatty acids may increase the risk of bleeding. Therefore, it is advised to avoid taking chia seeds with foods or supplements rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Both Chia seeds and Ginger have been shown in some studies to help suppress appetite. Feeling fuller for longer may lead to reduced calorie intake, which can contribute to weight loss, including fat loss in the belly area.

These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.

I've noticed grocery stores like Whole Foods with lots of these drinks, in every flavor under the sun. To make your own, simple mix about a tablespoon of chia seeds into a glass of fruit juice, then refrigerate for a couple hours. The chia seeds will gel and thicken the drink.

These tiny seeds can provide fiber that helps lower cholesterol, boost your heart health and reduce your risk of developing chronic disease. That said, because chia seeds are packed with fiber and are calorie dense, stick with no more than 2 tablespoons per day.

This luscious berry pie is easy to make and packed with fiber, antioxidants and protein. Chia seeds absorb up to 10 times their weight in liquid, making thickening a breeze and dairy free pudding an easy summer treat.