Embrace the art of slow, simple living with this easy 4-ingredient homemade jam recipe. It’s perfect for putting all of that leftover fruit you have in the garden to use if you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by an abundance of fruit trees, like many rural properties in the sun are.

Bursting with natural sweetness from honey and the wholesome goodness of chia seeds, this jam offers a guilt-free treat for your taste buds. The absence of refined sugar allows the true flavours of the soft fruits to shine through. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but also in its versatility—try incorporating various fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or peaches for a personalised twist. Beyond its delectable taste, this jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, making it a convenient and enduring addition to your pantry. Share the joy by gifting jars of this homemade goodness to friends and family, spreading the love and the delightful flavours of naturally sweetened fruit jam.

– 2 cups soft fruit (e.g., berries, peaches, or a mix)

– 2-3 tablespoons honey (adjust to taste)

– 2 tablespoons chia seeds

– 1 tablespoon lemon juice

– 2-3 tablespoons water

1. Prepare the Fruit:

   – Wash and chop the soft fruit into small, uniform pieces.

2. Cook the Fruit:

   – In a saucepan, combine the chopped fruit and water over medium heat.

   – Cook the fruit until it softens, stirring occasionally. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes.

3. Mash the Fruit:

   – Using a fork or potato masher, mash the cooked fruit to your desired consistency.

4. Add Honey:

   – Stir in honey to sweeten the jam. Adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference.

5. Introduce Chia Seeds:

   – Sprinkle chia seeds over the fruit mixture and stir well.

6. Simmer and Thicken:

   – Allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your preferred thickness.

7. Lemon Juice:

   – Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the jam, giving it a delightful zing. Adjust to taste.

8. Cooling and Setting:

   – Remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool for 15-20 minutes.

   – As it cools, the chia seeds will help thicken the jam.

9. Transfer to Jars:

   – Once cooled, transfer the jam into clean, airtight jars.

10. Refrigerate:

    – Refrigerate the jam to allow it to set further. It will continue to thicken as it chills.

11. Enjoy:

    – Spread this no-sugar soft fruit jam on your favourite bread, toast, or use it as a topping for yoghurt.

This simple and healthy fruit jam is a delicious alternative to traditional jams, providing natural sweetness from honey and the added nutritional benefits of chia seeds. Experiment with different combinations of soft fruits to create your personalised jam blend.