Chia jam: The superfood hack you didn’t know you needed

When I was a kid, summer wasn’t just about sunshine and sprinklers — it meant jam. My mom would line up jewel-toned jars of homemade preserves, from apricot to zucchini, each jar a little pot of sunshine.

Over the years, I’ve made my fair share of jams, but let’s be real — jam-making can be a bit of a production. Sterilizing jars, bubbling fruit, pectin, sticky countertops — it’s a labor of a lot of love.

Enter chia jam. This little game changer will transform the way you think about homemade preserves.

No stove time. No pectin. No canning tongs required. Just fruit, chia seed and a touch of sweetness.

Chia seeds are the secret to this jam. Yes, those little seeds that sprouted chia pets back in the ’80s are a nutritional powerhouse.

Packed with fiber, omega-3s, antioxidants and protein, these tiny wonders are a simple way to boost your nutrition.

But their real magic? Chia seeds absorb over 10 times their weight in liquid, turning fruit puree into a thick, spreadable jam in under an hour.

The best part? This jam is totally customizable. Use whatever fruit you have on hand or what’s in season.

Blackberries, peaches, plums, even thawed frozen fruit works. Get creative: Try blueberry with lemon, apricot with pineapple or even a little gourmet twist like strawberry-basil or blackberry-thyme.

Fun Variations

• Blackberry Thyme Chia Jam: 1 pound blackberries, 3 tablespoons chia, 1 tablespoon minced thyme and 1 tablespoon honey.

• Strawberry Basil Chia Jam: 1 pound strawberries, 3 tablespoons chia, 1 tablespoon minced basil and 1 tablespoon honey.

• Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam: 1 pound blueberries, 3 to 4 tablespoons chia, zest and juice of half a lemon and 2 tablespoons honey.

Chia Jam Parfait

Chia jam is so simple and quick, you’ll be hooked. But let’s take it up a notch with a fun way to enjoy it — in a parfait!

Layering chia jam into yogurt creates a healthy parfait that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. You can’t go wrong with a few layers of creamy yogurt, chia jam and maybe some granola or graham crackers for texture.

For a perfect parfait: Layer a couple of tablespoons of chia jam with Greek yogurt, or any yogurt you love. Add a sprinkle of granola or crushed graham crackers for crunch and color.

Repeat the layers until your jar or bowl is full. Finish with a drizzle of honey, and you’ve got yourself a snack that’s not only good for you, but gorgeous, too.

Chia jam strikes the perfect balance of sweet and tart, without the added sugar of traditional jams. Packed with nutritious chia seeds, it’s a guilt-free treat.

Next time you crave something sweet, skip store-bought jams. Chia jam is a simple, healthy way to elevate your snacks and desserts. You’re going to love it.

Basic Chia Jam

Ingredients

2 cups fruit (fresh or thawed frozen)

3 tablespoons chia seeds

1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Procedure

Wash and prep your fruit. If you’re using frozen fruit, thaw it first. Puree the fruit in a blender or food processor, then add chia seeds and blend again. Taste and add sweetener, if desired. A spoonful of honey or maple syrup does the trick.

Refrigerate for at least an hour, stirring halfway through. The chia seeds will work their magic and thicken it up. Store in the fridge for up to a week. Use on toast, stirred into oatmeal or — let’s be real — spooned straight out of the jar.