Alia and her dad make the rounds at the nearby U-Pick orchid each summer and fall. There are always too much fruit to eat. Freezing is one way to save them for the winter, but making jam is another way to enjoy the fruit which keeps for the next two weeks.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups (480 g)
2 cups (155 g) chopped fresh organic fruit (berries, peaches, pineapple, mango, apples, or pears)
2 Tbs. (2o g) chia seeds
1/2 tsp. (2,5 ml) vanilla extract
1. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring to boil the fruit, stirring often.
2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the fruit begins to soften and release its juices.
3. Use a potato masher or back of a ladle, mash the fruit to a thick purée, leave a few chunks for texture.
4. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
5. Once it is a jam-like texture, remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
6. Cool the jam to room temperature before pouring it into a glass container.
7. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (Not problem, it will be used way before that!)
(a) The jam can be frozen in 1-cup (320 ml) freezer bags and enjoyed the rest of the year, which is great after picking a crate of berries!)
Chia seeds
provide:
- massive amount of nutrients
- loaded with antioxidants
- almost all the carbs are fiber
- high quality of protein
- may help lose weight
- high in omega-3 fatty acids
- may lower risk of heart disease
- important bone nutrients
- may reduce blood sugar levels
- may reduce chronic inflammation
- eat to use in your diet (cereal, yogurt, vegetables, ore rice dishes)
