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This Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam is fresh, easy to make, and only uses 5 ingredients. It’s made without pectin and uses nutritious chia seeds as the thickener! This easy refrigerator jam is vegan and sweetened with maple syrup.
Are you a person who enjoys making your own homemade jam? If you are, you already know the beauty of transforming a bounty of fresh fruit into a batch of delectable spread you can enjoy on everything from toast to desserts. If you’re not, it may seem like a time-consuming process that’s not particularly worthwhile. I mean, you can just grab a jar of your favorite flavor for a few bucks when you’re at the grocery store, right?
Right, in theory…but, wrong. Because the jam that you buy from the supermarket will never be as fresh and vibrant as the jams that you can taste warm from the saucepan, watching the fruit as it bubbles along into jammy goodness.
You also know exactly what’s going into that jam. You can admire the fresh stalks of vibrant red rhubarb as you grab them from the farmer’s market, and steal a sun-ripened strawberry or two as you cut the stems off.
I love homemade jams, and this one is one of my newest favorites, alongside this Blueberry Chia Jam and this Strawberry Chia Jam. All work perfectly as the filling for these Jam Thumbprint Cookies or the perfect topping for these Superfood Overnight Oats! Or really, any of my other oatmeal recipes.
How is this Strawberry Rhubarb Jam sweetened?
Forget about those cups and cups of sugar most jam recipes call for. We only need 1/3 cup of maple syrup for this jam. I shudder when I see recipes calling for upwards of 5 cups of white sugar! This is often necessary for preservation when you’re canning the jam, but since this is a refrigerator jam, there’s no need for so much sugar.
We’re just using enough maple syrup to sweeten up the tart rhubarb, while letting the flavors of the sweet strawberries sing. This precariously short time of year, when rhubarb season and strawberry season overlap, deserves to be commemorated! This easy strawberry rhubarb jam recipe gives me all the farmer’s market fresh flavor I could have ever dreamed of.
How is this refrigerator jam thickened?
Most jam and jelly recipes call for pectin to help thicken the mixture. I didn’t have any pectin, and I wanted to make jam ASAP (a.k.a. I was too lazy to go to the grocery store). So, chia seeds stepped in to save the day. The chia seeds plump up and thicken the jam (or any liquid) totally naturally.
Chia seeds are also a nutritional powerhouse! The tiny seeds contain a ton of fiber, protein, calcium, antioxidants, and vitamins. The chia seeds help thicken the jam and create the perfect spoonable and spreadable “jam” texture. We add a splash of lemon juice to the hot jam at the end of cooking to add a bit of brightness back into the jam. It rounds the chia jam out perfectly.
Is this a jam for canning?
This strawberry rhubarb chia jam is a refrigerator jam. That means that it doesn’t require any canning, so there is no need to sterilize the jars, use a water bath canner, or deal with funnels and boiling water. On that note, you also can’t pop this kind of jam in the pantry and have it in November.
It will stay good in the refrigerator for a few weeks or in the freezer for a few months, though! I don’t think you’ll have a problem finishing it all in that time.
The five simple ingredients used in this recipe are in perfect harmony here, and you’ll want to be spreading this jam on everything! Swirl it into yogurt (SO good), spread it on your pancakes, add a dollop on top of your oatmeal or ice cream. It will make your PB&J sandwiches way better…and might I recommend you add a bit to these Homemade Peanut Butter Cups for a PB&J cup? You won’t be disappointed! Enjoy :)
How to Store Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam
Store your chia jam in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Because it’s made without traditional canning methods or preservatives, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
To freeze, let the jam cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or jar, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. This freezer jam will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Strawberry Rhubarb Chia Jam
Ingredients
- 12 oz. rhubarb, cubed – cut each stalk down the middle and then chop, fresh or frozen is fine
- 12 oz. strawberries, quartered, fresh or frozen is fine
- ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the rhubarb, strawberries, and maple syrup. Cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently. After 5 minutes, when the mixture starts to release juices, use a potato masher (or a fork) to mash the strawberries and rhubarb lightly.
- Add the chia seeds and lemon juice, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching, for about 30 to 35 minutes or until the mixture has thickened and there are no big fruit chunks left. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t let it reduce too much.
- Let cool completely before transferring to clean jars. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed jar or container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
I love the texture the chia added too – so good! Thanks, Rachelle.
Can you believe I’ve never tried refrigerator jam? Well I’m trying this one! I have everything I need for this in the house so it’s happening today. This looks delicious and I can’t wait to stir it into my oatmeal and eat with my yogurt!
You’ve got to try it, Julie! Enjoy :)
Homemade Jam is the best, and love strawberry and rhubarb together.
Can this be frozen to use later?
I personally haven’t done so, but it should freeze just fine! Enjoy.
Could this recipe be stored in the freezer?
Yes it could be! It will last a few months that way.
Could you process/cann it if you choose?
Hi Chris, I’m not a canner so I’m not well versed in the safety protocols of canning and wouldn’t feel comfortable advising on how to do it.
I have fresh strawberries but no food scale. How do I convert 12 ounces to cups?
Hi Renae! Because strawberries comes in many shapes and it’s hard to measure them in cups, weight is way more accurate. Most strawberry containers have the weight listed, but if you must measure by cup, it’s probably about 2 1/2 cups sliced strawberries.
If you want to make this out of rhubarb season is it okay to use frozen rhubarb instead of fresh? And if so, do I have to do anything differently?
You can definitely use frozen, and the instructions would the same – it just might take a little while longer for the rhubarb to fully break down. Enjoy :)
This Strawberry Rhubarb jam is just what I’m looking for. My friend had some rhubarb that I picked in her yard and I had a ton of strawberries so how perfect is this jam. Ive been canning for years but have recently started cooking without sugar. Im interested in the chia seeds for thickening however I have some hemp seeds in my fridge. What do you think of using them instead?
Hi Dee, hemp seeds don’t have the same thickening properties as chia seeds so it wouldn’t do the thickening that’s needed here. I’d recommend sticking with chia! Also, jealous you got some rhubarb from your friend’s yard!
Can I can this?? I want to make a ton to give and enjoy….
Hi Becky, I don’t know much about canning but I know that due to acidity levels, it’s best not to can chia jam. It can be stored in the freezer though!