k  Superfood Jam - strawberry, goji berry, chia seed and a touch of orange  k

This jam came together like many of my recipes do, using the contents of my fridge and cupboards and trying to be a bit creative. I absolutely hate wasting fruit and recently I had a big tray of strawberries that were becoming a bit past it. I had some goji berries and chia seeds looking at me from my cupboard wanting some action, so I decided to put them all together and make a healthy sugar free jam.

IMG_3399

I have discovered that if you soak the goji berries overnight it plumps them up and makes a world of difference…they come to life from being a bit sad and shrivelled to succulent and juicy. They are considered to be one of the most nutritious berries and are packed full of antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. I found out that chia seeds are a great substitute for pectin and also being a fabulous superfood they contain masses of fibre, protein, calcium, omega-3s and antioxidants. Whilst chia is virtually tasteless, by adding them to any liquid they thicken to a jelly like consistency.

IMG_1130

The jam making was a success, I’ve had friends and family try it and they cannot believe it’s so healthy. The flavour is incredible, for some it might not be sweet enough so you can add more agave or honey, but please remember that the jams you buy in the supermarket are totally loaded with added sugar. This jam only contains the natural sugars from the fruit with the added benefit of some superfoods too. This is also out of this world with my home made nut butter!

IMG_1362

Ingredients

600g chopped strawberries (quite chunky so you get nice lumps in the jam)
80g goji berries soaked overnight in blood orange juice (or orange)
Rind of a blood orange (or regular orange)
1 tablespoon date syrup (or honey or agave)
50ml water
2 tablespoons chia seeds

Method

1. Soak the goji berries overnight in orange juice
2. In a medium size saucepan add the chopped strawberries, goji berries and the juice, orange zest and syrup (or agave or honey)
3. Bring to a boil for 5 minutes then leave on a constant simmer for a hour and stir regularly.
4. Add the chia seeds and thoroughly stir.
5. Leave to cool and spoon into a clean sterilised jar and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks.