Chef Julie Morris of Navitas Naturals seems to have boundless ideas for incorporating superfoods into everyday recipes, and she is always happy to share them. Most recently, she was on a chia seed kick, creating an entire series of chia seed recipes. From this collection, I latched onto two of her jam (or "un-jam") recipes that contain not an ounce of added sugars and are super easy!

The first recipe is for a sweet Acai Berry Jam (pictured at left). Julie states, "This jam acts just like boysenberry preserves, yet is dense with nutrition, low in sugar, full of whole superfoods, and completely unprocessed. Featuring two all-star superfoods – acai and chia – it’s a fantastic way to sneak extra antioxidants, essential fatty acids, and vital micronutrients into any diet." For some extra motivation, Julie created a demo video for this recipe. 

The second recipe is even simpler and quite versatile, as it can be mixed and matched with whatever fruits are in season! Both recipes are free of the top eight allergens plus they are gluten-free and vegan. If you are sensitive to coconut oil, feel free to substitute palm oil in the second recipe.

Acai Berry Jam 

Recipe by Chef Julie Morris of Navitas Naturals. See Julie make this recipe on YouTube.

"Acai’s soft berry flavor results in a mild-tasting jam, which is as versatile as it is delicious. For a stronger fruity taste, mix in ¼ cup muddled fresh berries (like strawberries or blackberries) before serving. Use on bread, with muffins, on top of desserts, or enjoy a spoonful solo with zero guilt!"

Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp. Navitas Naturals Acai Powder
• 2 Tbsp. Navitas Naturals Chia Seeds
• 1/2 cup apple juice (fresh is best)
• 2 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 Tbsp lemon juice 

Directions

Mix together the chia seeds with the apple juice in a small bowl or glass. Allow to sit for 20 – 30 minutes, stirring once. After the chia has gelatinized, mix in the acai powder, maple syrup, and lemon juice. For best results, allow mixture to set for 30 minutes before serving. Will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 1-2 weeks.

“Un-Jam” Bread Spread

Recipe by Chef Julie Morris of Navitas Naturals.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Chia seed gel (see chia seed gel recipe)
• 2/3 cup Fruit (peaches, strawberries, blackberries or currants)
• 2 Tbsp. Coconut oil

Directions

Put the fruit and chia seed gel in the blender, and just pulse a few times, leaving it chunky. Toast some sprouted grain bread. To serve, “butter” the bread with coconut oil, spread the “jam” on the bread, and finish with a drizzle of agave syrup if desired.

Basic Chia Gel

Recipe by Chef Julie Morris of Navitas Naturals.

"Chia absorbs 9 times its weight in water, which is the reason behind the 9:1 ratio. For thicker or thinner gel, adjust this ratio accordingly."

Ingredients

• 3-1/2 Tbsp. Navitas Naturals Chia Seeds
• 450 mL. water
• Agave (optional)

Directions

Mix together chia and water. Let chia stand for 30 minutes, stirring with a whisk to prevent clumping. Gel can be used as a thickener in raw soups, fruit smoothies and fresh jams.