Raw Blueberry Chia Jam {Paleo, Low-Carb, Vegan}

A photo of a piece of toast on a plate with raw blueberry chia jam on top with a bowl of chia jam on a table.

 

Got fresh berries? Make this easy, no-cook, raw blueberry chia jam! You can also use your favorite berry or a mix of your favorite berries. A delightfully fresh, healthy spread for bread, muffins, and even the classic PB&J.

This easy chia jam is bursting with berries and is naturally Paleo, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and vegan! With just 5 simple ingredients, this no-cook jam will become a fast favorite in your house.

Why Make a Raw Jam?

Raw berries are a powerhouse of nutrition. Full of antioxidants and flavonoids, which give them their rich, vibrant colors, they’re best eaten freshly picked for optimum nutrition.

Most jams are cooked which neutralizes active enzymes the fruits contain. In contrast, making a raw jam from fresh berries means you get more nutrition and generally, more vibrant flavor.

In addition, you also control the ingredients that go into your raw berry chia jam. Many jams are jam-packed (see what I did there? ) with high fructose corn syrup or other refined sugars that are not healthy.

Instead, this blueberry chia jam uses Wildly Organic Coco Monkey Sweetener, which is made from organic inulin. It’s a great low-carb, natural sweetener!

What is a Chia Seed Jam?

Chia seeds have this amazing property -- they gel when exposed to liquids. That means you don’t need pectin, another often-used ingredient, to make your jam “set.”

Similarly, this also means no slaving over a hot stove hoping to end up with a jam that sets!

While this raw chia berry jam won’t have the same exact consistency as conventionally made jams and jellies, it’s packed with more nutrition.

The ancient Mayans, Aztecs, Incas and other indigenous people treasured these seeds. It’s amazing to me that even without modern scientific analysis they still knew these tiny seeds are beneficial to health and wellness.

Wildly Organic Chia Seeds are a terrific option for this simple raw chia jam!

How to Make Raw Blueberry Chia Jam

Using a food processor, blender, or even just a fork, break the berries down to your desired consistency.

Next, add whatever sweetening you’d like. The recipe below is a no added sugar jam recipe, using Wildly Organic Coco Monkey sweetener. Feel free to use Wildly Organic Coconut Syrup or your favorite natural sweetener.

I use a high-powered blender when making my chia jam and simply add all the ingredients at once, then puree well. If using a high-powered blender just be careful not to run it too long or you’ll heat the berries. It won’t ruin the jam, just make it not raw anymore.

Let the jam set up in the refrigerator. This should not take more than an hour. However, how much chia seeds used determines the consistency of the jam.

You can easily make this jam looser by using fewer chia seeds. As written it’s a firm, but spreadable jam. Just give it a stir before spreading on your buttered toast in the morning.

Finally, if your berries are very tart, you can omit the lemon juice. Some berries aren’t quite as tart as others and taste preferences vary greatly. Break down the berries, add sweetener and pinch of salt, and taste. If it seems to be missing something, then add a splash of lemon (or lime) juice.

Otherwise, if it tastes fine there’s no need for adding lemon juice.

There Are So Many Ways to Eat Raw Chia Berry Jam!

As you see this raw chia berry jam is simple and nutritious! Use it anywhere you’d use conventional jams and jellies. For instance, here are a few ideas…

  • Yogurt parfaits – layer yogurt, jam, and Wildly Organic Trail Mix or Chunky Coconut Granola
  • Classic PB&J, or cream cheese and jelly sandwich
  • Gourmet turkey sandwich with brie and jam (especially delicious with a cranberry jam)
  • Jam Thumbprint Cookies (though this jam may not behave the same when baked and loses its raw benefits)
  • As part of a charcuterie board along with crackers and nut butter, like creamy Wildly Organic Cashew Butter (or spreadable cheeses for a non-vegan variety)
  • A delicious fruity filling for a layer cake or cupcakes
  • A topping for pancakes
  • Add to smoothies or shakes
  • Healthy dessert topping for ice cream or cheesecake

No matter how you choose to use this tasty raw blueberry chia jam you’ll rest easy knowing it’s nourishing to all who enjoy it.

What Berries Will You Use For This Easy Raw Chia Berry Jam?

Raw Blueberry Chia Jam
This easy chia jam is bursting with berries and is naturally Paleo, gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and vegan! With just 5 simple ingredients, this no-cook jam will become a fast favorite in your house.  No matter how you choose to use this tasty raw blueberry chia jam you'll rest easy knowing it's nourishing to all who enjoy it.
    Servings1 1/2 cups
    Prep Time7 minutes
    Passive Time1 hour
    Ingredients
    Instructions
    1. Add all ingredients to a blender jar or food processor and process until as smooth as you like.
    2. Taste and adjust sweetness and tartness levels.
    3. Pour into a jar and refrigerate until set, about 1 hour.
    Recipe Notes

    If using frozen berries, you may need to let them thaw a bit or add additional water when pureeing. Add just enough to get the mixture moving, 1/4 cup or less should do the trick.

    You can also make this by mashing the berries with a fork or potato masher until they're juicy and as chunky as you'd like. Then mix in remaining ingredients as continue as directed.

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