Raw Strawberry Jam

How do you make raw jam? With chia seeds! You know how chia seeds gel up and become nice and thick when added to liquids? Add that with roughly pulsed fresh fruit and you have a deliciously nutritious jelly alternative.

This is the easiest fruit spread you’ll ever make and it is just as good as any ones you can buy. Why is it better? Because you control the fruit (ensuring only the juiciest and freshest are used), it’s unheated, so the flavor is fresh and mouth-watering and it’s all raw – so it’s full of all the vitamins and nutrients of fresh fruit, raw honey (or agave) and chia seeds!

If you are not the biggest fan of chia seeds, strawberries are the perfect fruit for this jelly because you really won’t be able to tell what’s a chia seed and what’s a strawberry seed! The great thing is that it is not as gelatinous as most other jams or jellies at the store, so it is a bit more versatile! Spread it on pancakes, fill cupcakes with it, use it in place of dressing, add it to smoothies… There are many possibilities! For there being no sugar, gelatin, pectin or fake sugar additives and instead uses 5 healthy ingredients, it’s a fabulous mimic of your favorite fruity spread!

Raw Strawberry Jam  (gluten-free and vegan)
Print Recipe

1 1/2 cups Sliced Strawberries
4 Tablespoons Chia Seeds
3 Tablespoons Water
2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
1 heaping Tablespoon Raw Honey or Agave

In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds with the water and vanilla. Mix and allow to soak for 20 minutes. Add the chia mixture to the blender with the rest of the ingredients. Blend until just combined and still a little chunky. Pour into a lidded or airtight container and allow to sit in the fridge for about an hour to allow it to firm and gel up a bit more. Keep stored, covered, in the refrigerator.  Will keep well in the fridge for up to a week.