This blueberry beet jam combines juicy blueberries with naturally sweet red beets for a vibrant, deeply colored fruit spread. A touch of turbinado sugar balances the earthy beet flavor, while chia seeds help create a thick, spoonable consistency without traditional pectin. It’s a simple way to bring bold flavor and a little extra nourishment to your breakfast table.
Featured Standouts
Blueberries
The star of the jam, blueberries provide natural sweetness, fruity acidity, and a rich purple color. They break down during cooking to create the familiar texture and flavor of homemade fruit preserves.
Red Beets
Beets add natural sweetness, earthy depth, and an intense ruby-red color. They complement the blueberries while adding another layer of flavor and character.
Turbinado Sugar
This minimally refined sugar brings a subtle molasses-like sweetness that balances the earthiness of the beets without overpowering the fruit.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds absorb moisture and develop a gel-like consistency, helping thicken the jam without requiring traditional commercial pectin.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR THE BEST BLUEBERRY BEET CHIA JAM
The Best Beets For Jam
Use canned beets packed in water without added salt to keep the flavor clean and consistent. If using fresh beets, peel and dice them into small pieces before cooking. They will require additional water and cooking time to become tender.
Softening The Beets
Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to prevent excessive moisture loss before the beets soften. Mash the blueberries and beets gradually as they cook to control the final texture.
Thickening The Jam
Allow the mixture to cool for five minutes before adding the chia seeds. This gives you more control over how they incorporate.
Sprinkle chia seeds evenly across the surface of the pot rather than dumping them into one spot. Stir continuously for one minute after adding the chia seeds to prevent clumping. Remember that chia seeds continue absorbing moisture as the jam cools, so avoid over-reducing the mixture during cooking.
Inclusive Adaptions
Limited mobility or hand strength
Use pre-cut canned beets, a lightweight saucepan, and an automatic jar opener if needed. An electric hand mixer or food processor can help achieve a smoother consistency without prolonged manual mashing.
Sensory sensitivities
For those sensitive to texture, blend the finished mixture until smooth. For those sensitive to earthy flavors, increase the blueberries slightly or add a small amount of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
Medium saucepan
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Kitchen scale
Potato masher
Silicone spatula
Storage jar
SIMILAR INGREDIENTS TO
Pineapple Lemon Jam
Summer Strawberry Pico de Gallo
Orange & Cranberry Jam Muffins
ENJOY THIS RECIPE WITH
VEGAN DOUBLE DARK CHOCOLATE CAKE
BUTTERMILK CHEESECAKE BROWNIE BARS
ROCKY ROAD CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE
Recipe
Blueberry Beet Chia Jam
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the frozen blueberries, canned beets, water, and turbinado sugar in a medium saucepan.
- Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently mashing the blueberries and beets as they soften.
- Continue cooking until the blueberries have broken down and the beets are tender. Fresh beets will require additional water and cooking time.
- Once the mixture reaches your desired consistency, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to cool for five minutes.
- After five minutes, sprinkle the chia seeds evenly across the surface of the mixture, distributing them from edge to edge rather than adding them all in one spot.
- Stir continuously for one minute to incorporate the chia seeds and prevent lumps from forming.
- Allow the jam to cool slightly before serving. The chia seeds will continue absorbing moisture as the mixture cools, helping the jam thicken.
- Transfer leftovers to a clean, airtight container and refrigerate. Keep refrigerated and use within a few days.
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