Cranberry Orange Chia Jam

$To make cranberry orange chia jam, you need just a few key ingredients: - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries - 1/2 cup orange juice - Zest of 1 orange - 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup - 1/4 cup chia seeds - 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) - Pinch of salt These ingredients create a bright, tangy flavor. The chia seeds help thicken the jam. They also add fiber and healthy fats. Using fresh orange juice and zest enhances the taste. You can choose between fresh or frozen cranberries. Fresh cranberries have a crisp bite and vibrant flavor. They are great if you find them in season. Frozen cranberries are just as good. They are often picked at their peak. You can use them without thawing. Both options work well in this recipe. For sweetness, you can use honey or maple syrup. Honey gives a floral note that pairs well with the tart cranberries. Maple syrup adds a rich, earthy sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, adjust the amount used. The jam's flavor will still shine through. Choose the sweetener that you enjoy most! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, take a medium saucepan. Add 2 cups of cranberries and 1/2 cup of orange juice. Turn the heat to medium. Stir the mixture now and then. Cook until the cranberries burst and soften. This will take about 10 minutes. You will hear and see them pop. This sounds fun and helps release their juices. When the cranberries are soft, remove the pot from the heat. Now, add the zest of one orange. This adds bright flavor. Next, stir in 1/4 cup of honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to how sweet you like it. Then, sprinkle in 1/4 cup of chia seeds. These seeds will help thicken the jam. Optionally, add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon for warmth. Finally, add a pinch of salt to balance the flavors. Mix everything well until the seeds are spread evenly. Let the mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes. This time helps the chia seeds absorb liquid and thicken the jam. After it thickens, you can mash the mixture a bit more. Use a fork or a potato masher for this. It helps if you want a smoother jam. Once done, pour the jam into a clean jar. Allow it to cool before sealing. You can store this delicious jam in the fridge for up to two weeks. To make the jam just right, cook the cranberries until they burst. This usually takes about 10 minutes. Stir them often so they don’t stick. After cooking, let the mix sit for 5 to 10 minutes. The chia seeds will help thicken the jam. If you want a smoother texture, mash it lightly with a fork. You can change the flavor by adding spices or fruits. For a warm touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon. You might also mix in ginger for a zesty kick. If you prefer more fruit, consider adding diced apples or pears. This gives the jam a unique twist and adds more sweetness. This jam pairs well with many foods. Spread it on toast or homemade bread for breakfast. You can also serve it with cheese and crackers for a sweet snack. It makes a great topping for yogurt or oatmeal too. Try it on pancakes or waffles for a delicious treat! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh cranberries if possible. Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste preference and the tartness of the cranberries, feel free to adjust the amount of honey or maple syrup. Experiment with Flavors: Add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for a unique twist in flavor. Storage Tips: Ensure your jar is sterilized before storing the jam to extend its shelf life and maintain freshness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the sweetener in this jam. If you want a different taste, try agave nectar or coconut sugar. Both options work well with cranberries. Just remember to adjust the amount based on how sweet you want it. You might need less agave since it is sweeter than honey. Adding fruits can change the taste and make it fun. You can mix in chopped apples or pears for added sweetness and texture. They pair nicely with the tartness of cranberries. Just add them when you cook the cranberries. A half-cup of chopped fruit is a good amount to start with. If you want a sugar-free jam, use stevia or erythritol. These sweeteners give you the sweetness without the sugar. You can also skip sweeteners altogether if you like the tart flavor of cranberries. Just keep in mind that the jam will be less sweet, but still tasty! To keep your jam fresh, use a clean jar with a tight lid. Let it cool before sealing. This helps avoid moisture build-up. Always store the jam in the fridge after it cools. Avoid leaving it out for long periods. Homemade cranberry orange chia jam lasts up to two weeks in the fridge. This is a good time frame for enjoying its fresh taste. If you see any mold or if it smells off, throw it away. Safety first! You can freeze the jam for longer storage. Pour it into an airtight container, leaving some space at the top. This allows for expansion. The jam can last for up to six months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Enjoy your jam later with the same great flavor! Homemade Cranberry Orange Chia Jam lasts about two weeks in the fridge. Store it in a clean jar and seal it well. The jam may thicken more as it sits. If you notice any off smells or colors, it’s best to discard it. Using dried cranberries is not ideal for this jam. Dried cranberries lack the moisture needed for a good texture. If you want to try it, soak the dried cranberries in water first. This step helps them plump up and mix better. Chia seeds offer many health benefits. They are high in fiber, which aids digestion. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, good for heart health. Plus, chia seeds can help you feel full, making them great for snacks. A little goes a long way in boosting nutrition. In this article, we explored how to make delicious cranberry jam. We discussed key ingredients, like fresh or frozen cranberries and sweeteners. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking, mixing, and thickening. Our tips helped you achieve smooth texture and tasty flavors. We covered variations, storage best practices, and answered common questions. Making jam is fun and easy! Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and sharing it with others. Keep these tips in mind for the best results. Your homemade jam will impress!$

Cranberry Orange Chia Jam

A delicious and healthy jam made with cranberries and orange, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Servings 1.5

Calories 50 kcal

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
0.5 cup orange juice
1 zest orange
0.25 cup honey or maple syrup
0.25 cup chia seeds
0.25 teaspoon cinnamon
1 pinch salt

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries and orange juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and soften, about 10 minutes.
Once the cranberries have broken down, remove the pot from heat and stir in the orange zest, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Mix well until the chia seeds are evenly dispersed, and let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes to thicken.
After thickening, use a fork or potato masher to mash the mixture a bit more if you prefer a smoother consistency.
Pour the jam into a clean jar or airtight container and let it cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Serve in a decorative jar for gifting. Pairs well with homemade bread or crackers.

Keyword chia, cranberry, healthy, jam, orange