Are you looking for a delicious and healthy spread? Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam is the perfect choice! With fresh strawberries, creamy coconut milk, and nutritious chia seeds, you can enjoy a tasty treat that supports your wellness. In this blog, I’ll guide you through making this easy jam and share tips for customizing it to your liking. Let’s dive in and create a spread that’s not just yummy, but good for you too!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor: This jam combines the sweetness of strawberries with the creaminess of coconut, creating a unique and delightful taste that is perfect for any occasion.
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with fresh strawberries, chia seeds, and coconut milk, this jam is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients and free from artificial additives.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe can be prepared quickly, making it a convenient option for busy days.
- Versatile Use: This jam can be enjoyed in various ways, whether on toast, in yogurt, or as a topping for desserts, making it a versatile addition to your pantry.
Ingredients
Fresh Ingredients Needed
– 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
– 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
– 1/4 cup coconut milk
Additional Ingredients
– 3 tablespoons chia seeds
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
Measurement Overview
You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or maple syrup. If you prefer a less sweet jam, start with 2 tablespoons of sweetener and taste as you go. This flexibility helps you find your perfect balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Strawberries
Start with fresh strawberries. Hull and chop them into small pieces. In a medium saucepan, add the strawberries and your choice of sweetener—honey or maple syrup. Cook this mixture over medium heat. Stir it occasionally for about 5 to 7 minutes. The strawberries will soften and break down. You will start to smell a sweet aroma as they cook.
Mashing Technique
After cooking, remove the saucepan from the heat. Let the strawberry mix cool for about 5 minutes. Now it’s time to mash! You can use a fork or a potato masher for this. Mash until you reach your desired texture. You can keep it chunky or make it smooth, depending on your taste.
Combining Ingredients
Once mashed, stir in the coconut milk. Next, add the chia seeds, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix everything together well. The chia seeds are key as they will help thicken the jam. The coconut milk adds a creamy flavor that pairs well with strawberries.
Setting the Jam
Now, transfer the mixture to a glass jar or container with a lid. Let it set! You can leave it at room temperature for about 1 to 2 hours. If you prefer, refrigerate it for about 30 minutes. The chia seeds will expand and thicken the jam during this time. When ready, stir the jam again. You can adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more honey or syrup.
Tips & Tricks
Customizing Sweetness
You can easily change the sweetness of your jam. Start with 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. After cooking, taste the jam. If it’s not sweet enough, add more. You can mix in a little at a time. This way, you find the right level for you. Remember, natural sweetness from strawberries also plays a role. So, adjust based on your taste.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Getting the right texture is key for a great chia jam. If you like chunks, mash the strawberries lightly. Use a fork or potato masher to break them down. For a smooth jam, mash them more. Stir in the chia seeds after mashing. They will thicken your jam as it sets. Let it rest to reach your preferred consistency.
Presentation Suggestions
Serving your jam nicely makes it even more fun. Use a small glass jar to show off your creation. Add a sprig of mint on top for color. Place a few whole strawberries beside the jar. This makes it look fresh and inviting. It’s perfect for breakfast or snacks. Enjoy it on toast or yogurt for a tasty treat.
Pro Tips
- Freshness Matters: Use ripe strawberries for the best flavor. The sweeter and more fragrant the strawberries, the better your jam will taste.
- Adjusting Sweetness: Taste the mixture before setting it. You can always add more honey or maple syrup to achieve your desired sweetness level.
- Chia Seed Magic: Let the jam sit for at least 1-2 hours to allow the chia seeds to absorb moisture and thicken the mixture effectively.
- Creative Variations: Experiment with adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for a mixed berry jam variation that’s equally delicious.
Variations
Flavor Infusions
You can make this jam even more fun by adding other fruits or spices. Try mixing in some ripe bananas or diced mango for a tropical twist. If you like a bit of spice, add a dash of cinnamon or a hint of ginger. These flavors all blend well with strawberries and coconut. Experiment to find your favorite mix!
Sugar-Free Options
If you want a sugar-free version, you can use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol. These options keep the jam sweet without the added sugar. Adjust the amount based on your taste. Just remember that some sweeteners can be much sweeter than regular sugar, so start small.
Dietary Considerations
This jam is easy to make vegan. Just use maple syrup instead of honey. For a creamy touch, you can swap coconut milk for almond milk or oat milk. Both options will still give you a tasty treat. This way, everyone can enjoy your Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam!
Storage Info
Best Storage Practices
To keep your Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam fresh, store it in a clean glass jar. Use a jar with a tight lid to seal in flavor. Place the jar in the fridge right after making it. This will help maintain its taste and texture. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time you scoop out some jam. This keeps the jam free from germs and bacteria.
Shelf Life Recommendations
Your jam will last about one week in the fridge. After that, it may lose flavor and texture. If you notice any off smells or changes in color, it’s best to toss it out. Always check your jam before using it. It’s good to remember that chia seeds can change the texture as they absorb moisture.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam for longer storage. Use an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. Leave some space at the top of the container. This allows for expansion as the jam freezes. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. You can also leave it at room temperature for a few hours. Once thawed, give it a good stir before using.
FAQs
How long does Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam last?
Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam lasts about one week in the fridge. Store it in a clean glass jar with a lid. Make sure to keep it cool and sealed. This way, you can enjoy its fresh taste for days.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries! Just thaw them first and drain any excess juice. This helps keep the jam from being too watery. Frozen fruit can be just as tasty as fresh, so don’t worry!
What are the health benefits of chia seeds?
Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses! They are rich in fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. Eating chia seeds can help with digestion and heart health. They also keep you feeling full longer, which is great for snacking.
How do I serve Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam?
You can serve this jam in many ways! Spread it on toast or mix it into yogurt. It also works well as a topping for pancakes or waffles. For a fun twist, try it with cheese on a cracker. Enjoy your tasty creations!
In this blog post, we explored the simple process of making Strawberry Coconut Chia Jam. We covered the key ingredients, from strawberries to coconut milk, and discussed how to prepare and mix them. You learned tips for customizing sweetness and achieving your desired texture. We also shared how to store your jam for the best flavor. Remember, this jam is versatile and can fit many diets. Enjoy making your own fresh jam, and have fun adding your favorite flavors along the wa
