Natural Berry Jam
This jam is sweetened with only berries and dates. The dates also help thicken the jam, along with ground chia seeds. Try making it with your favorite summer berries!
Servings 8 people
Ingredients
- 3 - 3 1/2 cups (roughly 1 lb) whole blueberries (can substitute raspberries, sliced/chopped strawberries, or a combination of the three; see note)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped pitted dates see note
- 2-3 pinches sea salt
- 2 tsp ground black or white chia seeds
- 1/2 - 1 tsp lemon zest to taste
- Extra sweetener to taste optional; see note
Instructions
- Combine the berries, dates, and sea salt in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Allow the mixture to heat up so the fruit breaks down and begins to bubble, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer until the fruits break down further, about 10 minutes.
- Add the chia and lemon zest, stir through, and let cook for another 3–5 minutes until the chia helps the jam thicken.
- Taste, and add extra sweetener if desired. Let cool, then refrigerate. Makes about 1 3/4 - 2 cups.
Notes
Berries Note: Measuring 3 cups of berries can produce quite variable amounts—for instance, if measuring whole strawberries, just a few can fill up 1 cup. So, for larger berries like strawberries, simply slice them a few times or roughly chop before measuring. A standard 1-pound clamshell container of strawberries is 3–3 1/2 cups chopped strawberries.
Dates Note: The dates will darken the mixture slightly if using strawberries or raspberries instead of blueberries. Still, they don’t darken it much, and also help thicken the jam. Give them a try: it’s a different twist on jam, but it’s delicious!
Sweetener Note: I don’t normally add extra sweetener, as I find the dates usually lend enough sweetness. However, depending on the type of berries used, and their ripeness, you may desire a touch of extra sweetener. Options include a few tablespoons of coconut sugar, a drizzle of pure maple syrup, or a few pinches of stevia
Recipe reprinted from Plant-Powered Families by Dreena Burton.