I can’t wait for you to try my Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam! In the summer I always have an abundance of strawberries from the farmer’s market (I just bought a whole flat of strawberries this week!). Over the years I’ve been trying to get more and more creative with them but this summer I’ve been finding myself revisiting some classic recipes. And what’s more classic than a good old-fashioned strawberry jam?

As always I’m elevating this recipe to bring you a healthy, satisfying version that you can feel great about eating. I love traditional jams but they’re often loaded with sugar and don’t usually offer much in the way of nutrition. With this recipe, I wanted to bring you a low-sugar option that will actually keep you feeling full! This strawberry jam features only four ingredients, is packed with protein, and is so easy to make!

Keep scrolling for the full recipe, some amazing health benefits, and a recipe roundup with more delicious strawberry-filled recipes!

Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam Recipe

Raw | Gluten-free 

Prep time:  5 minutes | Inactive Prep Time: 30 minutes | Serving size:  2 cups

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp chia seeds
• 2 cups strawberries
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tbsp honey or more to taste *optional

Directions

1. Place chia seeds in a small food processor and blend until they become a powder. Remove the chia seeds from the food processor and set aside.
2. Place the strawberries, lemon juice and honey into the food processor and blend until smooth. The honey is totally optional. When strawberries are in season they are super sweet so you probably don’t need any honey. If you are buying off-season strawberries, add honey to taste.
3. Add the chia seeds and pulse until mixed.
4. Spoon the Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam into a Mason jar and place in the fridge to set for 30 minutes.

Health Benefits of Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are one of my favourite health foods! I use them in so much of my baking because they’re incredibly versatile and so nutritious too! Let’s break down why chia seeds make a great addition to your cupboard:

One of the key benefits of chia seeds is their high Omega 3 content, which promotes brain health and reduces inflammation. They’re also an excellent source of fibre, which promotes smooth digestion and happy gut bacteria.

Chia seeds contain a significant amount of antioxidants, which prevent the fats in the seeds from spoiling. These antioxidants combat free radicals in the body, thereby slowing down the ageing process. Chia seeds also serve as a valuable source of protein, providing a well-balanced combination of essential amino acids that keep you satiated and energized (one of the reasons I love eating them for breakfast).

Chia seeds also contain tons of nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which contribute to building and maintaining strong bones.

With their mild nutty flavour, chia seeds can be consumed whole and sprinkled on various dishes, ranging from granola to salads. 

Health Benefits of Strawberries

Strawberries are a favourite summer fruit of mine. Not only are they so delicious (especially during the summer months when they’re in season), but they’re also super nutritious too!

• High in Vitamin C: Strawberries are renowned for their abundant Vitamin C content, providing 84mg per cup of whole strawberries. This makes them an excellent source of antioxidants to combat free radicals in the body.
• Phenolics for Detoxification and Repair: Strawberries contain phenolics, a compound that detoxifies free radicals, and safeguards and repairs DNA, giving you a youthful glow and promoting overall well-being. Additionally, they help reduce systemic inflammation, contributing to a healthier you.
• Protection Against Oxidative Stress: Strawberries excel in defending against diseases caused by oxidative stress, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Magnesium for Muscle and Brain Health: These berries are rich in magnesium, a mineral that supports the well-being of both our muscles and our brain.
• Folate for Red Blood Cell Formation: Strawberries are a great source of folate, an essential nutrient important for the formation of red blood cells.
• Hydration and Summer Bliss: With their high water content, strawberries help keep you hydrated and feeling fantastic throughout the summer season!

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey has been referred to as “Liquid Gold” and I completely understand why. Not only is it a naturally occurring alternative to white sugar that we can use to elevate our cooking, but it’s also often considered in traditional medicine to be a health product too. I chose to use honey over white sugar in my Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam Recipe for exactly this reason!

• Honey has been traditionally used in the treatment of eye diseases, asthma, throat infections, tuberculosis, fatigue, dizziness, constipation, eczema, ulcers, and so much more.
• Honey’s ingredients possess antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, anticancer, and antimetastatic properties.
• Honey can be beneficial in treating various skin conditions and wounds.
• Honey has been shown to help manage conditions such as diabetes mellitus, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, and gastrointestinal diseases.
• Honey contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants and contribute to fighting free radical damage in the body.
• Honey may have protective effects and be useful in cancer treatment due to the presence of its various antioxidants.

Celebrate Strawberry Season With Your Team

Get ready to celebrate the summer season with the sensational sweetness of strawberries! Join me in my Celebrate Strawberries Cooking Class where we’ll have a blast incorporating these delightful berries into both sweet and savoury dishes.

During our class, we’ll whip up two incredible recipes featuring strawberries. First up is my mouthwatering Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp, a dessert that will make any crowd go wild. It’s the perfect way to make use of all those abundant berries you find at farmer’s markets. Get ready for a symphony of flavours that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

We’ll also create a savoury strawberry salad, my Strawberry Arugula Salad with Strawberry Balsamic Vinaigrette to be exact. This double dose of strawberries will refresh and nourish you, as it’s packed with vitamins, minerals, and hydration. It’s not just a salad—it’s a work of art on your plate! And guess what? It’s vegan-friendly and gluten-free, so it caters to everyone’s dietary preferences.

Get ready for a fun-filled cooking class that will have your team falling head over heels for strawberries. Email me at info@jesselanewellness.com for more details, or check out my Corporate Wellness page for more info!

Strawberry Delight Recipe Roundup

Stuck on how to use your extra strawberries? Try one of these mouthwatering recipes to make the most of strawberry season!

Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins

My Gluten-Free Strawberry Rhubarb Muffins are a breeze to make and fill your home with heavenly aromas. Bursting with juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, these muffins create a harmonious blend that will make your taste buds dance. What’s more, they’re gluten-free, packed with almond flour and protein powder for a fibre-rich and protein-packed treat. Slather on some of my Four-Ingredient Strawberry Chia Jam for a double dose of strawberry goodness!

Healthy PB&J Smoothie

Introducing the Healthy PB&J Smoothie! Like the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we all love, this smoothie combines salty and sweet flavours. It’s a creamy and nutritious alternative, packed with wholesome ingredients, including chia seeds for added protein and fibre. Enjoy this satisfying and kid-friendly lunch option that brings back childhood memories in a healthier way!

Summer Berry Salad

This healthy dessert (or snack) is bursting with sweet, juicy berries, enhanced by a refreshing touch of lemon and a hint of cinnamon. What makes this recipe even more wonderful is its versatility. You can easily customize it based on the seasonal offerings at the farmer’s market, allowing you to explore different flavour combinations and make the most of what’s abundant during that time.

Berry Banana Chia Pudding

Start your day with a scrumptious and nutritious breakfast: Strawberry Banana Chia Pudding! It’s so delicious that it feels like indulging in a dessert for breakfast. The chia pudding has a delightful texture, reminiscent of tapioca pudding, while the strawberries and bananas provide juicy bursts of sweetness. Enjoy a breakfast that’s both satisfying and feels like a treat!