Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

It’s blueberry season!!!! I got a little bit carried away at U-pick last weekend… 25 lbs of fresh, delicious berries later my kitchen counters are pretty much stained blue.  I just whipped up some Blueberry Chia Seed Jam to put on the Oregon Beer Bread I made last week. There isn’t anywhere quite like Portland, OR in the summer!

The jam has only 3 ingredients and is sweetened just lightly with honey. This means you get all of the antioxidant power of the berries without all the added sugar of store brought varieties. Super simple to make!

Beer bread uses just 5 ingredients. By far the quickest bread I’ve ever made. It is a nice staple to have on hand. Recipe to follow soon!

Blueberry Chia Seed Jam

Ingredients

• 8 cups fresh blueberries
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup chia seeds

Preparation Instructions

1. Heat blueberries and honey in a pot over medium heat. Stir often, smashing the blueberries as you go for about 10 minutes.
2. Add chia seeds and continue cooking for 20-30 more minutes, stirring often.
3. Remove from heat and let cool. Store in Mason jar and eat within 7-10 days.

Fuel Facts

Numbers: 40 calories, 0 g protein, 0 g fat, 9 g carbs, 1 g fiber

            **For 2 Tbsp of jam (makes a little more than 4 cups)

Ingredient Breakdown:

v Blueberries – So why do blueberries get so much hype? Because they deserve it! They have one of the highest antioxidant capacities of all fruits and veggies, meaning they are able to combat free radicals in the body more effectively than their produce counterparts. Blueberries are also being shown to improve memory and cognitive function, helpful as we age. Best of all, blueberries maintain their health benefits when frozen so you can preserve them all year long!

v Honey – Due to the combination of glucose and fructose, honey will keep you energized longer than it’s sweet counterparts. Glucose is used quickly by the body, providing an immediate energy source. Fructose takes longer to absorb, sustaining blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is kept stable, your energy will also remain constant, so say goodbye to the afternoon crash.

Honey is also a great natural healer. For starters it is packed with polyphenols, antioxidants that have immune boosting properties to keep you from becoming sick. In addition, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is why it is believed to be antibacterial in nature. Honey can be used topically to treat burns, wounds, and even acne. Honey fights off impurity-causing bacteria while also hydrating the skin.

v Chia Seeds – Another fuel source used by the ancient Aztecs, Chia seeds are full of nutritional goodness. For starters, they are higher in omega-3s even than flax seed and their high antioxidant content makes them keep much longer. Whereas flax seed will go rancid rather quickly if not kept refrigerated, chia seeds can be kept at room temperature for weeks at a time. Also, unlike flax, you do not need to grind them in order to get all of the nutritional benefits.

When soaked in water, chia seeds will form a gel. In a similar fashion, this may contribute to keeping hunger at bay by swelling in the stomach when consumed in the diet. Chia seeds are great added to breads and baked goods, smoothies, and as a topping for yogurt or cereal.