Raw Chia Seed Jam

"Ch-ch-ch-chia!" Sorry, I can't think of Chia Seeds without hearing that jingle in my head. I love how Chia Seeds have been getting more and more popular lately (and not just for growing hair on terracotta figurines... ;) 

Chia Seeds are even so popular now that they have started carrying them at Costco in BULK. (Of which is where I purchased mine.) And, if you're anything like me, as you walk out of the store with a 32oz bag of Chia Seed, you're probably thinking to yourself, "What in the world am I going to do with all these Seeds?!?" 

So, as I was contemplating this dilemma one morning (while cooking up my favorite waffles) I had a light-bulb moment. What if- instead of leaving my blueberries whole- I smash them up and mix them with a little Chia Seed. It should make a perfect jam! I was so excited to share my recipe with you all! I was even applauding my originality when I decided to google it and saw that about a gazillion other people have ALREADY thought of the idea as well. Oh well. At least I thought I was creative for a good half an hour. 

Now, if anyone is going to love this post, it's my dad. He's kind of like an honorary unpaid supporter of the Chia Seed. Whenever I'm creating recipes with my mom and we're a little stumped on how to make the recipe better he's always in the background saying, "Throw some Chia Seeds in it!" (As if Chia has some magical power to solve any gluten free baking problem... ha ha.) While they are pretty magical dad, I don't know if they can solve everything... ;) Sigh, but wouldn't it be nice if they could...?

K, enough chit chat, it's time to get down to the nitty gritty. Chia Seeds are healthy. REAL healthy. And it's time that you start eating them if you're not already. Let me break it down. Here's just some of the nutrients they supply so you can wrap your mind around their awesomeness. 

In just 1 Tbsp, Chia Seeds provide: 

• 5 grams, 20% dv Fiber
• 3 grams Protein
• 8% dv Calcium (More than 1 glass of milk)
• 10% dv Magnesium
• 6% dv Iron
• 2.5 grams Omega-3
• 15% dv Manganese
• 14% dv Phosphorus
  

Here's so more reading on Chia's nutrition. Plus- here's 10 great uses that you may not have heard of. 
Now, without further ado:

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Raw Chia Seed Jam

(Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Grain Free, Paleo, Soy Free, Corn Free, Nut Free, Egg Free)
Created by jalene (but apparently I'm not the only one) ;)


Yields: about 1 cup
Ingredients: 

• 1 cup fruit (such as blueberries, strawberries, cherries, etc)
• 1 Tbsp Chia Seed *see note
• (optional) sweetener such as honey, agave, maple syrup, etc.

Directions:

1. Smash your fruit with a fork or pulse it through the blender or a food processor until it's smooshed. 
2. If you're a sweet tooth, go ahead and dr. up your fruit to your liking with some sweetener. (I left my unsweetened.) 
3. Add the Tbsp of Chia Seed and combine well. Let stand for about 5-10 minutes. Use as desired.

Keep unused portion tightly covered in the fridge. Best used within 3 days.

*Note: Depending on the type of fruit you use and the amount of liquid it produces, you may want to use slightly less chia seeds for fruit that does not produce a lot of juice. I usually start with 2 tsp instead but it's up to you. ;)

Just for fun: