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    Home » Condiments

    Published: Jun 26, 2018 · Modified: Feb 14, 2024 by Smruti · This post may contain affiliate links · 4 Comments

    Instant Pot Strawberry Chia Jam

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    A delicious spread made with just four ingredients; Strawberry Chia Jam is free from added pectin, preservatives and flavoring agents.

    Made in the instant pot; this one has a cook time of just 3 minutes. Super delicious, spreadable and perfectly thick without excess sugar!

    Strawberry jam in a jar with a spoon holding some jam over it.

    Strawberry season is one of the best times to make delicious recipes. The farmers markets are flooded with the berries and so are the farms. The Bay area has quite a few farms that offer strawberry picking.

    And when we go visit a farm, we do bring back scores of strawberries. So over the next few days we do enjoy a lot of recipes along with the fresh fruit. Strawberry juice, strawberry milkshake, strawberry cake, strawberry cream and raita with strawberries are popular to make.

    And while most of these recipes are great when enjoyed instantly, there are some recipes that help preserve the berries much longer. Roasted strawberries and strawberry jam are perfect to do so.

    Jump to:
    • What is Strawberry Jam
    • Using Chia Seeds
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients and Substitutions
    • Step by Step Instructions to make 
    • Expert Tips and Notes
    • Pairings
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Strawberry Recipes to try
    • Instant Pot Strawberry Chia Jam

    What is Strawberry Jam

    Strawberry Jam is a delicious dip that is perfect with toasted bread, on cereal or over yogurt. This jam is so easy to make and I have a bottle in my refrigerator all the time.

    This jam is easily available in the stores but these are quite high on sugar. Commercially, a combination of sugar and pectin are used to thicken the cooked strawberries.

    These jam bottles have a much longer shelf life, are bright pink in color and do taste amazing. And yet, there is something amazing about making your own jam. It is so easy to make, flavor and use as required.

    Using Chia Seeds

    This strawberry chia jam is slightly different from the commercial version as it does not have added pectin, preservatives, thickeners, color or flavoring agent.

    And if we remove all these from the jam, we will only be left with sugar, strawberries and water! And that is definitely not jam; it will only be a syrup. So we add a secret ingredient in it to make this a jam; chia seeds. With properties to thicken anything that it is added to, these seeds help us bind berries with sugar and water to make a delicious textured jam.

    Plus, we all know how healthy the tiny seeds are and this is a great way to sneak in a few each morning! These seeds are really healthy and it helps to have them in the pantry all the time! I like to make this chia seed pudding using them. And this breakfast bowl is amazing I promise!

    Why this recipe works

    • It comes together in under 30 minutes of active time.
    • We make it in the Instant Pot so there is no stirring, mixing or processing.
    • It is hands-free and makes a bottle full of jam while you are prep something else.
    • It needs only four ingredients to come together.
    • This can be flavored in so many ways; vanilla extract, cinnamon, other berries etc.
    • We use chia seeds to thicken it up instead of excess sugar.
    • The same recipe can be used for fresh or frozen berries.
    • It can be made with other fruits too, a mix of berries, peach, apricot, pineapple etc!
    • The recipe does not need any complex ingredient or canning.
    • It is a refrigerator jam and keeps well refrigerated for a week or so.

    Ingredients and Substitutions

    • Strawberries: The main ingredient here is strawberries. When in season, I like to use fresh berries. However, using frozen berries is a great option too. To prepare the berries for the jam, simply wash them, air dry and cut the leaves and hardy stem off. Then the berries are all ready to make this strawberry chia jam.
    • Chia Seeds: The other key ingredient here is chia seeds. The thickener in the recipe, we cannot skip the chia seeds. Without them the jam will only be a strawberry syrup!
    • Sugar: Though we do not use sugar as a thickener here, we do add some sugar to the jam. Even the sweetest strawberries will need some sugar to make it jammy. Step it up or down based on how sweet the berries are and how sweet you like the jam!
    • Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is great to balance out the sweetness and brings in so much flavor to the otherwise sweet jam. I like to add that to all my jams. Skip it only if there are allergies. Otherwise I strongly recommend using it!
    • Other ingredients: We can also use vanilla extract, spices like cinnamon, cloves or star anise etc. are great to add to the jam. These bring a lot of flavor into the jam and gives it a great taste.

    See the recipe card for detailed ingredient information, measurements and nutrition.

    A cut toasted sandwich with strawberry jam in the middle and a sliced strawberry on top.

    Step by Step Instructions to make 

    1- Wash and dice the strawberries. In the base of the Instant Pot add the berries and sprinkle sugar over it.

    2- Let the sugar rest for 10 minutes. 

    Collage steps to make strawberry chia jam; add berries to the instant pot and sprinkle sugar on it.

    3- After 10 minutes add water. Close the lid of the Instant pot and set the mode to pressure cook, time to 3 minutes and pressure to high. Set the vent to sealing.

    4- Let the berries cook till the end of the cooking time. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then do a quick release. 

    Collage steps to make strawberry chia jam; cooking the berries on high pressure and opening the instant pot.

    5- Open the lid and add in lemon juice and chia seeds. Mix well and let the jam cool to room temperature.

    6- As it cools, it will become thick as well. Transfer to and airtight jar and refrigerate. Use as required for up to a week.

    Collage steps to make strawberry chia jam; adding chia seeds and thickening the jam.
    A bowl with strawberry chia jam and a white spoon in it with some berries around it.

    Expert Tips and Notes

    • Sealing Ring: Often times the sealing ring of the instant pot has the smell from the previous cooking. Before making the jam, make sure the sealing ring is clean and free from any strong smells. It helps to use two different rings; one for sweets and one for savory dishes.
    • Frozen berries: We can easily use frozen strawberries for the recipe. Both store bought frozen berries or fresh strawberries that are frozen in peak season work. The method remains the same for both. Plus, so not thaw the berries before using in the recipe.
    • Replacing Strawberries: Any juicy fruit like berries, kiwi, pineapple, peach etc. will work with chia seeds to make this jam. Mix them up or use them just one at a time, the option is yours!
    • Sugar substitutes: The sugar in the recipe contributes to the thickness along with the sweetness. While it is easy to replace with honey or sugar substitute, the consistency does change a little. Be aware of that.
    • Skipping the Chia seeds: While chia seeds are quite amazing in the recipe, we can make the jam without these too. Simply cook the berries and place the instant pot on 'sauté' mode. Then add some corn starch slurry and cook will the slurry thickens the jam.
    • Making a smooth jam: If you like the jam to be smooth, blend it with an immersion blender after it is made. it does help getting a super smooth jam!
    • Storage: Store the jam in a clean jar and use a clean spatula or spoon to transfer it. The jam keeps well for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. As it is not canned and does not use preservatives, it will have to be frozen to keep it longer.

    Pairings

    The strawberry chia jam is perfect to use in so many ways.

    • Add some with salted butter on toast. I often use freshly baked whole wheat bread or sandwich bread to enjoy my jam.
    • Add it to make desserts like cake, pudding or jelly.
    • With thepla or dhebra.
    • On yogurt to make a parfait.
    • Serve it with milk, granola and cereal.
    • On pancakes or waffles with some butter and whipped cream.
    • As an ice-cream topping.

    Recipe FAQs

    Is strawberry jam better with or without pectin?

    Strawberry jam cooked without pectin generally takes longer to cook compared to the one with pectin. The taste therefore changes slightly. However, both jams have their characteristic taste and flavor. Using chia seeds instead of pectin has the best of both worlds; cooked without pectin but cooked quickly.

    Can I make strawberry jam with frozen berries?

    Yes for sure. Whether you are using frozen bag of strawberries or freezing fresh berries to make the jam, we do not need to thaw the berries before using. Simply use them frozen.

    Is it okay to double or triple the jam ingredients?

    Yes certainly. It is perfect to increase the ingredients in the same proportion as the original recipe. Moreover, do not increase the time. The instant pot adjusts that based on the ingredients.

    What can I use instead of chia seeds to thicken the jam?

    The consistency is perfect with chia seeds. However, add some corn starch slurry after the berries are cooked. Sauté it for a few minutes to cook the slurry and then turn the instant pot off.

    Can I can this strawberry chia jam?

    Yes for sure. Refer to a reliable canning guide to can the jam correctly. Moreover, remember that the Instant Pot is not for canning unless you go on to can the jam following the correct procedure.

    A spoon with some strawberry chia jam over a bowl of the jam.

    More Strawberry Recipes to try

    • Fruit Chaat in a black and white bowl with a golden fork and spoon by the side and mint leaves around it.
      Fruit Chaat
    • Glass container filled with mixed berry jam and a crisp dipping in it.
      Instant Pot Mixed Berry Jam
    • Vegan Strawberry Vanilla Panna Cotta
    • Roasted Strawberries in a white platter with a spoon on the side and leaves on the side.
      Roasted Strawberries

    I love seeing when you share my recipes!

    Tag me on Instagram @herbivorecucina or mention #herbivorecucina so I can enjoy them virtually with you! You can also find me on Pinterest, Facebook, Tik Tok, and YouTube.

    Love this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below & if you REALLY like it, consider a review in the comments whilst you are there, thanks!

    A glass jar filled with strawberry chia jam and some berries on the side.

    Instant Pot Strawberry Chia Jam

    Smruti
    A delicious spread made with just four ingredients; Strawberry Chia Jam is free from added pectin, preservatives and flavoring agents.
    Made in the instant pot; this one has a cook time of just 3 minutes. Super delicious, spreadable and perfectly thick without excess sugar!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 3 minutes mins
    Resting time 40 minutes mins
    Total Time 8 minutes mins
    Course Condiments
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10
    Calories 36 kcal

    Equipment

    • Instant Pot

    Ingredients
      

    • 3 cups strawberries (fresh or frozen)
    • 1-2 tablespoon sugar (adjust based on sweetness of the berries)
    • 3 tablespoon chia seeds
    • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
    • ¼ cup water

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and dice the strawberries. In the base of the Instant Pot add the berries and sprinkle sugar over it.
      3 cups strawberries, 1-2 tablespoon sugar
    • Let the sugar rest for 10 minutes. 
    • After 10 minutes add water. Close the lid of the Instant pot and set the mode to pressure cook, time to 3 minutes and pressure to high. Set the vent to sealing.
      ¼ cup water
    • Let the berries cook till the end of the cooking time. Let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes and then do a quick release. 
    • Open the lid and add in lemon juice and chia seeds. Mix well and let the jam cool to room temperature. As it cools, it will become thick as well. Transfer to and airtight jar and refrigerate. Use as required for up to a week.
      ½ teaspoon lemon juice, 3 tablespoon chia seeds
    • You can freeze the jam for months! I like to divide it into silicone molds and freeze in single serve portions. Just pop one and use as you like! 

    Video

    Notes

    •  
    • Sealing Ring: Often times the sealing ring of the instant pot has the smell from the previous cooking. Before making the jam, make sure the sealing ring is clean and free from any strong smells. It helps to use two different rings; one for sweets and one for savory dishes.
    • Frozen berries: We can easily use frozen strawberries for the recipe. Both store bought frozen berries or fresh strawberries that are frozen in peak season work. The method remains the same for both. Plus, so not thaw the berries before using in the recipe.
    • Replacing Strawberries: Any juicy fruit like berries, kiwi, pineapple, peach etc. will work with chia seeds to make this jam. Mix them up or use them just one at a time, the option is yours!
    • Sugar substitutes: The sugar in the recipe contributes to the thickness along with the sweetness. While it is easy to replace with honey or sugar substitute, the consistency does change a little. Be aware of that.
    • Skipping the Chia seeds: While chia seeds are quite amazing in the recipe, we can make the jam without these too. Simply cook the berries and place the instant pot on 'sauté' mode. Then add some corn starch slurry and cook will the slurry thickens the jam.
    • Making a smooth jam: If you like the jam to be smooth, blend it with an immersion blender after it is made. it does help getting a super smooth jam!
    • Storage: Store the jam in a clean jar and use a clean spatula or spoon to transfer it. The jam keeps well for a couple of weeks in the refrigerator. As it is not canned and does not use preservatives, it will have to be frozen to keep it longer.
    Instant Pot: Remember to always account for the time needed for the Instant Pot to come to pressure. The cook time listed does not account for this.
    Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates using an automated calculator. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 36kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gTrans Fat: 0.01gSodium: 1mgPotassium: 81mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 7IUVitamin C: 26mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.5mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kathryn says

      May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm

      After the strawberry jam is finished, can it be put in mason jars and canned? Would this work for peaches?

      Reply
      • herbsmruti says

        May 16, 2022 at 5:54 am

        Yes it can be canned after finishing the process of cooking and cooling. Peaches will work the same way too.

        Reply
    2. Linda Wiley says

      April 25, 2024 at 8:07 pm

      Since there is only 1/4 cup of water, is there any problem getting a burn notice?

      Reply
      • Smruti says

        May 06, 2024 at 9:26 pm

        Hello! No there is no issue with the burn sign. However, it is okay to increase the water a little if you feel so.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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