This rhubarb chia jam recipe is a simple, healthy, and delightful way to enjoy seasonal rhubarb. With the natural sweetness of honey and the added health benefits of chia seeds, this jam recipe is a delicious alternative to store-bought versions. Enjoy it as a topping on toast, yogurt, oatmeal, or even desserts for a fresh burst of flavor.
While rhubarb and chia seeds might not be everyday items in your pantry, they are the stars of this recipe. Rhubarb is a tangy, sour vegetable that's often used in desserts and is usually in season from April to June. It's most commonly found in the produce section of the supermarket. Chia seeds are tiny black seeds that expand when soaked in liquid, creating a jelly-like texture. They're packed with fiber and Omega-3 fatty acids and can be found in the health food aisle of your local store.
Ingredients for Rhubarb Chia Jam
rhubarb: Known for its sharp, tangy flavor, rhubarb brings a unique taste to this jam recipe.
honey: Honey adds the necessary sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
chia seeds: Chia seeds create a natural, healthy thickening agent for the jam, also adding fiber and Omega-3.
lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice enhances the flavor of the rhubarb and adds a hint of freshness to the jam.
One reader, Elihu Earnest says:
This rhubarb chia jam recipe is a game-changer! The combination of tangy rhubarb and the texture from chia seeds is simply divine. It's easy to make and tastes amazing on toast or yogurt. Plus, it's a healthier alternative to store-bought jams. I highly recommend trying it!
Techniques Required for Making Rhubarb Chia Jam
How to prepare rhubarb: Wash the rhubarb thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. Remove any leaves, as they are toxic and should not be consumed.
How to cook rhubarb: In a small saucepan, combine the chopped rhubarb and honey over medium heat, stirring often until the rhubarb is mostly submerged in liquid.
How to thicken the jam: Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the chia seeds. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for 25 to 30 minutes, until the jam thickens and there are no big chunks of rhubarb left.
How to finish the jam: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
How To Make Rhubarb Chia Jam
The sweet and sour flavor from the rhubarb gives this rhubarb chia jam a well-rounded layer of flavor. Add the chia seeds for texture and earthiness.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbfresh rhubarb
- 3tbsphoney
- 2tbspchia seeds
- 1tbspfresh lemon juice
Instructions
-
Combine chopped rhubarb and sweetener in a small saucepan.
-
Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until the rhubarb is mostly submerged in liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the chia seeds.
-
Continue cooking, while stirring frequently and reducing heat as necessary to prevent scorching, for 25 to 30 minutes, until there are no big chunks of rhubarb left and the jam drips slowly off the spoon.
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Remove the pan from heat and stir in the lemon juice. Let the mixture cool, then cover and refrigerate.
Nutrition
- Calories: 406.77kcal
- Fat: 8.32g
- Saturated Fat: 1.05g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.73g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 6.13g
- Carbohydrates: 83.67g
- Fiber: 16.59g
- Sugar: 57.11g
- Protein: 8.29g
- Sodium: 24.66mg
- Calcium: 546.22mg
- Potassium: 1452.49mg
- Iron: 3.13mg
- Vitamin A: 22.68µg
- Vitamin C: 42.89mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Rhubarb Chia Jam Recipe
When making this rhubarb chia jam, it's important to stir the mixture frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning. Also, the consistency of the jam is largely determined by the cooking time. If you prefer a chunkier jam, reduce the cooking time slightly. For a smoother jam, continue cooking for a few more minutes. Remember, the jam will also thicken up a bit more as it cools due to the chia seeds.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop the rhubarb and measure out the other ingredients the night before to streamline the cooking process.
Double batch: Make a larger quantity of jam and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for future use, saving time on making it again.
Quick cook: Use a pressure cooker to cook the rhubarb quickly, reducing the cooking time significantly.
Chia soak: Soak the chia seeds in water for 10-15 minutes before adding them to the jam, which helps them gel faster and speeds up the thickening process.
High heat: Increase the heat initially to cook the rhubarb faster, then reduce it to low to simmer, saving overall cooking time.
Substitute Ingredients For Rhubarb Chia Jam Recipe
rhubarb - Substitute with strawberries: Strawberries can provide a similar tartness and sweetness to the jam, and they also have natural pectin which helps with the jam's consistency.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup can provide a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the jam, and it complements the tartness of the rhubarb or strawberries.
chia seeds - Substitute with flaxseeds: Flaxseeds can be used as a substitute for chia seeds in jam recipes, as they also have a gelling effect when mixed with liquid, helping to thicken the jam.
fresh lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a similar level of acidity and brightness to the jam, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Presentation Ideas for Rhubarb Chia Jam
Elevate the plating: When presenting the rhubarb chia jam, consider using a clean, white plate to allow the vibrant color of the jam to stand out. The contrast will make the dish visually appealing and highlight the natural beauty of the jam.
Garnish with fresh rhubarb: Thinly slice a few pieces of fresh rhubarb and arrange them on top of the jam. This not only adds a pop of color but also provides a visual cue to the main ingredient of the dish.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adding a few edible flowers, such as pansies or violets, to the plate. The delicate blooms will enhance the overall presentation and add a subtle floral note to the dish.
Use a quenelle: Instead of simply spooning the jam onto the plate, consider shaping it into a quenelle for a more refined presentation. This classic technique adds a professional touch and demonstrates attention to detail.
Accent with lemon zest: Grate a small amount of fresh lemon zest over the jam just before serving. The bright citrus aroma and vibrant specks of yellow will provide a visually stunning and aromatic finishing touch to the dish.
Accompany with a complementary element: Consider serving the rhubarb chia jam with a small side of Greek yogurt or a delicate almond biscuit to provide a textural contrast and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Chia Jam
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and often a lid, used for cooking foods on the stovetop.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
- Small saucepan: A smaller version of a regular saucepan, used for heating and cooking smaller quantities of food.
- Refrigerator: An appliance used for keeping food and ingredients cold and fresh.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chia Jam
Once the rhubarb chia jam has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to a clean, airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain the jam's freshness and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted odors from the refrigerator.
Label the container with the date you made the jam, so you can easily keep track of how long it has been stored. Homemade rhubarb chia jam will typically last for up to 2 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
If you want to extend the shelf life of your rhubarb chia jam, you can freeze it for later use. To freeze, transfer the cooled jam to a freezer-safe container, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during freezing. Seal the container tightly and label it with the date.
When freezing, consider portioning the rhubarb chia jam into smaller containers or even ice cube trays. This allows you to thaw only the amount you need at a time, rather than having to defrost a large batch.
Frozen rhubarb chia jam will maintain its best quality for up to 6 months. To thaw, simply transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Give the thawed jam a good stir before using, as some separation may occur during the freezing and thawing process.
Avoid storing the jam at room temperature for extended periods, as this can lead to spoilage and the growth of harmful bacteria. Always keep your homemade rhubarb chia jam refrigerated or frozen for optimal freshness and safety.
How To Reheat Leftover Chia Jam
Reheat the rhubarb chia jam in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until it's warmed through. This method ensures that the jam heats evenly and doesn't scorch or burn on the bottom of the pan.
For a quick and easy method, microwave the leftover jam in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until it reaches your desired temperature. Be careful not to overheat the jam, as it can cause the chia seeds to become tough and rubbery.
If you want to add a fresh twist to your leftover jam, try warming it up with a splash of orange juice or a sprinkle of cinnamon. These flavors complement the tangy sweetness of the rhubarb and add a new dimension to the jam.
For a more decadent treat, heat the rhubarb chia jam and serve it warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of pound cake. The contrast between the warm jam and the cool, creamy ice cream is simply divine.
If you're feeling adventurous, try incorporating your leftover jam into a savory dish. Warm up the jam and use it as a glaze for grilled pork chops or chicken breasts. The sweet and tangy flavors of the rhubarb pair beautifully with the smoky, savory meat.
Interesting Fact About Rhubarb Chia Jam
Rhubarb is a vegetable, not a fruit, and it belongs to the same family as sorrel and buckwheat.
Is Making Chia Jam at Home Cost-Effective?
This rhubarb chia jam recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Rhubarb is a budget-friendly ingredient, and the addition of honey and chia seeds doesn't significantly increase the cost. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $5-$7, making it an affordable option. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10. It's a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional jams, and the cost-effectiveness makes it even more appealing.
Is This Jam Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
This rhubarb chia jam recipe is a healthier alternative to traditional jams, as it uses natural ingredients and avoids refined sugars. The recipe incorporates several nutritious elements:
- Rhubarb is low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin K1, and antioxidants
- Chia seeds are rich in fiber, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and various micronutrients
- Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and may have antibacterial properties
- Lemon juice provides vitamin C and helps balance the sweetness of the jam
However, it's important to note that while this recipe is healthier than conventional jams, it should still be consumed in moderation due to its sugar content.
To further enhance the nutritional value of this rhubarb chia jam, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of honey to lower the overall sugar content, or experiment with alternative natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit extract
- Add other nutrient-dense fruits to the jam, such as strawberries or blueberries, which are high in antioxidants and vitamin C
- Incorporate additional spices like cinnamon or ginger, which may offer potential health benefits and add depth to the flavor profile
- Use the jam as a topping for whole-grain toast, oatmeal, or yogurt to increase the fiber and protein content of your meal
Editor's Opinion on This Rhubarb Chia Jam Recipe
This rhubarb chia jam recipe is a delightful and healthy twist on traditional jam. The combination of fresh rhubarb, honey, chia seeds, and lemon juice creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile. The use of chia seeds as a thickening agent adds a nutritious element to the jam, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or snack. The cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a luscious and spreadable jam. It's a versatile and delicious condiment that can elevate a variety of dishes. Enjoy this homemade jam on toast, yogurt, or as a filling for pastries.
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Why trust this Rhubarb Chia Jam Recipe:
This #food# recipe offers a delightful balance of sweet and tart flavors, using #rhubarb# as the star ingredient. The addition of #chia seeds# not only enhances the texture but also provides a boost of #nutritional# benefits. The use of #honey# as a natural sweetener adds a touch of #natural# sweetness. The incorporation of #fresh lemon juice# brightens the overall flavor profile. With its simple preparation and wholesome ingredients, this #recipe# is a trustworthy choice for those seeking a #delicious# and #healthful# jam option.
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