![- 2 cups fresh or frozen cherries, pitted - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Medium saucepan - Potato masher or fork - Airtight container When I make cherry chia jam, I love using fresh cherries if they are in season. They taste amazing and are packed with flavor. If you can't find fresh ones, frozen cherries work well too. Just let them thaw before cooking. The sweetener choice is vital. Honey and maple syrup both add a lovely sweetness. You can adjust the amount based on how sweet you want the jam. Chia seeds are the star of this recipe. They soak up the liquid and create a thick jam texture. You may add lemon juice for a zesty touch. Vanilla extract can give your jam a warm, sweet flavor. A small pinch of salt enhances all the tastes. For tools, you need a medium saucepan to cook everything together. A potato masher or fork helps mash the cherries. Finally, an airtight container keeps your jam fresh. This simple recipe offers a delightful spread perfect for toast, pastries, or even yogurt. Check out the Full Recipe for step-by-step guidance! To start, you need to prepare the cherries. If you chose fresh cherries, rinse them well. Then, cut them in half and remove the pits. This step is key for a smooth jam. For frozen cherries, let them thaw for a bit. You can use a microwave for quicker thawing. Make sure they are easy to handle before you move on. Now, it’s time to cook the cherries. In a medium saucepan, combine the cherries with honey or maple syrup. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5-7 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cherries soften and release their juices. This step builds a rich cherry flavor in your jam. Once the cherries are cooked, it’s time to mash. Use a potato masher or a fork to mash them. You can stop when they reach your desired texture. For a smoother jam, an immersion blender works great. After mashing, add chia seeds, lemon juice, optional vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to mix everything together. Next, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes. Stir often as the mixture thickens. The chia seeds will absorb liquid, giving you that jam-like texture you want. Follow the [Full Recipe] for detailed measurements and tips. You can adjust the sweetness of your jam. Taste it as you go. If you like it sweeter, add more honey or maple syrup. Lemon juice is key for balance. It adds brightness and cuts through the sweetness. Just one tablespoon can make a big difference. Chia seeds are small but mighty in your jam. They offer fiber and healthy omega-3s. When you add them, they soak up liquid and thicken your jam. This creates that perfect spreadable texture. Make sure to stir them in well for even thickening. Watch your cooking time. Overcooking the cherries makes them mushy. You want them soft but still holding shape. Let your jam cool completely before storing. If you skip this step, it may not set right. Patience is key for perfect jam! {{image_4}} You can make your cherry chia jam even better by adding other fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries work great. You can mix them in with the cherries. This adds depth and sweetness. Pineapple or mango can add a fun, tropical twist. Just adjust the sweetness based on the fruit you choose. If you want a different sweet taste, try agave syrup or stevia. These options can make your jam sugar-free. Just remember, the sweetness might differ. Always taste as you go, and adjust to your liking. This way, you can enjoy a healthy treat that fits your needs. Let’s spice things up! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can create a warm flavor. These spices are easy to mix in. You can also try different extracts, like almond or coconut, for unique tastes. Experimenting with flavors is fun and can make your jam stand out. Just a little can go a long way! To keep your cherry chia jam fresh, use a clean glass jar or an airtight container. Glass jars work best because they do not absorb smells or flavors. Make sure the lid is tight to keep air out. Store the jam in the fridge right after it cools. To ensure freshness, always use a clean spoon when scooping out the jam. This prevents germs from getting into your jam. If you see any leftover jam, consume it within a week. Your homemade cherry chia jam lasts about one to two weeks in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Freezing keeps the jam safe for up to six months. Just make sure to leave some space in the container, as liquids expand when frozen. When ready to use frozen jam, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the jam at a safe temperature and helps maintain its taste and texture. To tell if your jam has gone bad, look for changes in color or smell. If it smells sour or off, it is best to throw it away. Check for mold on the surface. If you see any, discard the entire jar. For proper disposal, seal the jam in a bag before throwing it away. This keeps any unwanted smells contained. Always prioritize safety when it comes to food! Homemade cherry chia jam can last about two weeks in the fridge. Keep it in a clean, airtight jar. Always check for signs of spoilage before use. If it smells off or has mold, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can use frozen cherries! They work great in this recipe. Just thaw them a bit before cooking. They may release more juice, so adjust the cooking time slightly to help thicken the jam. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses! They are full of fiber, protein, and healthy fats. They also help thicken the jam without extra sugar. Plus, they provide a nice crunch and boost nutrition. Absolutely! You can mix in other fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. Each will add a unique flavor. Just keep the same ratio of fruit to chia seeds for best results. This jam is not ideal for canning. It has a short shelf life and lacks preservatives. If you want to can it, use a proper canning recipe to ensure safety and longevity. Cherry chia jam is easy to make and delicious. You start with fresh or frozen cherries, sweeteners, and chia seeds to create a tasty treat. You learned essential techniques and tips, such as mashing and balancing flavors. Remember to avoid common mistakes, like overcooking your cherries. You can experiment with different fruits or sweeteners to make it your own. Store your jam carefully to keep it fresh. Enjoy your jam on toast, yogurt, or desserts. Creating this healthy jam can be fun and rewarding. Keep experimenting and savor every bite.](https://tastyrecipes.blog/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/e9ceb79a-5c6e-4c16-8e4c-62035af50285-300x300.webp)
Cherry Chia Jam
Discover the deliciousness of homemade Cherry Chia Jam with this simple and easy recipe! Using fresh or frozen cherries, honey, and chia seeds, this vibrant jam is packed with flavor and perfect for spreading on toast or enhancing your favorite pastries. Learn how to make this delightful treat that’s both healthy and tasty. Click to explore the full recipe and add a sweet touch to your breakfast!