Indulge guilt-free in the vibrant flavors of this Heart-Healthy Light Cherry Jam, the perfect balance of sweetness and tang created using fresh, juicy cherries, zesty lemon juice, and antioxidant-rich chia seeds. This naturally sweetened recipe uses honey as a wholesome alternative to refined sugar, making it a nutritious and delicious addition to your breakfast table. With just 15 minutes of prep and a clever use of chia seeds for thickening, this easy-to-make jam is ideal for spreading on whole-grain toast, swirling into oatmeal, or elevating your favorite yogurt parfait. Plus, itβs versatileβstore it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for long-term enjoyment. Perfect for anyone seeking a healthier take on classic jam recipes, this delightful spread is a must-try!
Rinse the fresh cherries thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
Remove the pits from the cherries using a cherry pitter or by cutting around the pits with a small knife.
Place the pitted cherries in a large saucepan and add water.
Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the cherries begin to soften.
Use a potato masher or a fork to gently mash the cherries to your desired consistency.
Stir in the honey and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all the ingredients.
Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the chia seeds to the pan and stir well. The chia seeds will thicken the jam naturally as it cools.
Remove the pan from heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes before transferring it to sterilized glass jars.
Seal the jars with lids and let them cool completely at room temperature.
Store the cherry jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It can also be frozen in airtight containers for longer storage.
Calories |
1087 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 11.3 g | 14% | |
| Saturated Fat | 1.4 g | 7% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 7.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 257.1 g | 93% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 31.4 g | 112% | |
| Total Sugars | 211.1 g | ||
| Protein | 16.5 g | 33% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 330 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 2425 mg | 52% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.