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To make this tasty Strawberry Banana Chia Jam, you need just a few fresh items: - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped - 1 ripe banana, mashed - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 2 tablespoons chia seeds - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract - Pinch of salt These ingredients come together to create a sweet, fruity jam. Fresh strawberries give a vibrant flavor. The ripe banana adds a creamy texture. Honey or maple syrup sweetens the jam nicely. Chia seeds help thicken it and add fiber. Lemon juice adds a bright kick. The vanilla rounds out the taste with warmth. You can easily find these ingredients at your local market. Choosing ripe fruits makes a big difference in taste. Look for strawberries that are bright red, firm, and fragrant. The banana should have a few brown spots for the best sweetness. Together, these ingredients create a delightful jam that works well on toast, pancakes, or yogurt. Plus, it's quick to make! You just need about ten minutes of prep time. The jam will be ready in about 30 minutes. Enjoy this jam knowing it is both flavorful and nutritious! First, gather your fresh strawberries and ripe banana. Hull and chop the strawberries into small pieces. Then, mash the banana in a bowl until smooth. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries and mashed banana. Cook them for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the strawberries to release their juicy goodness and soften. After cooking, take the saucepan off the heat. Now, stir in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup, depending on your choice. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This will bring a lovely brightness and flavor to the jam. Mix everything well so that it blends perfectly. Next, add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to the mixture. Stir them in until they are evenly distributed. This step is important because chia seeds help thicken the jam. Make sure you mix well to prevent clumps. Let the jam sit for about 10-15 minutes. During this time, the chia seeds will absorb the liquid and thicken the jam. Stir occasionally to help with the process. You will know it’s thick enough when it coats the back of a spoon. Once it reaches your desired thickness, transfer it to a clean jar or container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing. To adjust the thickness of your jam, add more chia seeds. Start with one extra tablespoon if it seems too runny. If it’s too thick, mix in a splash of water or lemon juice. Stir well and let it sit for a few more minutes. Keep in mind that the jam will thicken as it cools. You can enhance the flavor with simple additions. For a warm touch, add a pinch of cinnamon. If you like citrus, try adding some orange zest. You can also use almond extract instead of vanilla for a nutty twist. Experiment with different spices to find your favorite. For a beautiful presentation, use a clear jar. Fill it with the jam and top it with whole strawberries or banana slices. You can also tie a ribbon around the jar for a nice touch. Serve with a small spoon for easy scooping. This makes a great gift or a tasty addition to your breakfast table. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sweetener in this jam. If you want less sugar, try maple syrup. It gives a nice, rich flavor. You can also use agave syrup for a light taste. Coconut sugar works too, adding a caramel-like touch. Each sweetener changes the jam's flavor slightly, so pick your favorite! Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth. Nutmeg gives a cozy taste too. You can also add lemon or orange zest. This brightens the jam and adds freshness. Just a little zest can make a big difference! Don’t stop at strawberries and bananas. Try adding peaches for a summer twist. Blueberries bring a burst of flavor and color. Raspberries add a tart kick, balancing the sweetness. You can even mix in some apples for texture. The options are endless, so have fun exploring! Your Strawberry Banana Chia Jam stays fresh in the fridge for up to one week. Store it in an airtight container to keep it tasting great. Always check for any signs of spoilage before using. If it looks or smells off, don’t eat it! You can freeze this jam for up to three months. To freeze, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. This space allows for expansion as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the jam in the fridge overnight. Stir well before serving to mix any separated liquid. Use glass jars or plastic containers that seal tightly. Glass jars work well for storage and are eco-friendly. Choose containers that fit your needs. Make sure they are clean and dry before adding your jam. This ensures the jam stays fresh longer. Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Thaw them before cooking. This helps the fruit break down. Also, you might need a bit more cooking time. Check the texture as you go. Frozen strawberries can be just as tasty! To help your jam set, let it sit longer. Chia seeds absorb liquid. If it seems too runny, add more chia seeds. Start with one teaspoon at a time. Stir well and wait for another 10 minutes. The jam should thicken nicely! This jam is not the best for canning. It does not have enough sugar. Canning needs high sugar and acidity levels. If you want to can it, consider adding more lemon juice or sugar. Always follow safe canning practices. This guide covers all you need for making strawberry banana chia jam. We explored fresh ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You can enhance flavors or try different fruits. Remember to store your jam carefully in the fridge or freeze for later use. This simple recipe can spark joy in your kitchen. Enjoy your tasty creation and share it with friends!

Strawberry Banana Chia Jam

Make your mornings sweeter with this delicious Strawberry Banana Chia Jam! This simple recipe combines fresh strawberries and ripe bananas with chia seeds for a healthy, homemade jam that's perfect on toast or pancakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s sweetened with honey or maple syrup. Click through for the full recipe and discover how to elevate your breakfast spread with this delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped

1 ripe banana, mashed

1/4 cup honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons chia seeds

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Pinch of salt

Instructions
 

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the chopped strawberries and mashed banana. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the strawberries release their juices and start to break down.

    Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the honey (or maple syrup), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix well to combine.

      Add the chia seeds to the strawberry-banana mixture and stir until evenly distributed.

        Let the mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes to allow the chia seeds to absorb the liquid and thicken the jam. Stir occasionally.

          Once the jam has reached your desired thickness, transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container. Allow it to cool completely before sealing.

            Refrigerate the jam for up to 1 week.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 1 cup

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the chia jam in a beautifully jarred presentation, topped with a few whole strawberries or banana slices for garnish. Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or as a topping for yogurt!