Strawberry Blueberry Chia Jam

I may be somewhat repeating myself with this recipe... but as I explained it to a girlfriend and described it as "You know... just like the blueberry one I made only you add strawberry?" she exclaimed, "But I never would have thought of that!!  You have to post it!!"  So... usually one to follow directions, here we go!

This season I've become somewhat obsessed with chia jam.  Simply put, it's fruit, a little pure maple syrup and chia.  Just real food, nothing else.

We've always purchased jam, and while I've become familiar with the store-bought sweetness, the different varieties we've made this summer have allowed the actual fruit flavors to shine.  Sort of like storing the farmer's market in a jar, the flavors simply tantalize with realness.

Gelled with chia in place of the usual packaged pectin, Strawberry Blueberry Chia Jam brings a nice dose of calcium and protein along with its incredibly fresh flavors.  

Chia Seed, yes the seed of the the Chia Pet era, is everywhere these days.  Once a staple in the Inca, Maya and Aztec cultures, chia is actually the Mayan word for "Strength".  Filled with protein, calcium, potassium, iron, and Omega 3 and 6, chia takes on the title of a true super food and can help maintain energy and endurance.
Soaked in liquid, chia seeds (filled with soluble fiber) swell up to 10 times their weight and form a gel-like outer layer which, in the digestive system, actually slows down the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar and in turn helps stabilize blood sugar.  In addition, the seeds high soluble fiber content also helps to control cholesterol levels.

But back to our jam... maple syrup in place of granulated sugar gives a lovely depth and has me happy we've kept the entire recipe real and healthy.

With strawberry season in full swing here in San Diego, our markets are flooded with fresh, juicy, bright red berries for good prices and purchasing more than you actually need is easy to do.

Just an hour after our last market and some 24 hours since picking our strawberries simmered along with a basket of blueberries into this fabulous, sweet Strawberry Blueberry Chia Jam.

If your markets are bursting with berries you'll love this version... bursting with strawberry flavors you'll be searching for new ways to use jam.

Strawberry Blueberry Chia Jam
Simply bursting with bright, berry flavors, you'll have a hard time going back to store-bought after you make a batch of this healthy jam.

3 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, chopped (preferably organic)
1 cup fresh blueberries, (preferably organic)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup (we prefer grade B)
3 Tbs chia seed (With exceptionally juicy berries I've add a little more...)
pinch of salt (optional)

Place the strawberries and blueberries into a saucepan placed over medium heat on the stove.  Add the maple syrup and bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.  Reduce heat to a medium/medium low, just enough to keep the mixture simmering.  Allow to simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the berries become juicy and soft.

Mash with the back of a spoon, or alternatively puree in a blender (we prefer ours chunky).  Add the chia and pinch of salt and stir well to combine.  The mixture should begin to gel, and will be a nice consistency in about 20 minutes.

Place into a clean jar, cover and refrigerate.  Use witin 2-3 weeks for best freshness.