The easiest and healthiest jam you will ever make. With bonus- no added preservatives.
Hello, everyone. It’s back to school time, and the time we struggle with everyday lunch box dilemma. Thinking and preparing a lunch box for a busy week is a task. So to simplify matters for you all, I am sharing with you this Dried Figs And Chia Jam recipe. It is the easiest jam you will ever prepare and the best part is there are absolutely no added preservatives. Now isn’t that the best? This jam is filled with endless possibilities. It can be a spread on the morning toast or a filling for lunch box PBJ. Or a topping for your and your little one’s favourite ice cream. So let’s dig in.
As a baby, my daughter had a lot of figs in her diet. I used feed Apple With Dried Figs and Beetroot And Figs Bites on regular basis. Since she had a problem with constipation, figs helped her to overcome it. As she grew, she nibbled on dried figs as a snack. A few months back, I went to a farmers market and there I found this Fig Preserve. It was so delicious. My daughter loved having it as a spread on a toast and flatbread. When I ran out of it, she kept asking for more of that fig preserve. So I thought of trying my hands on making this recipe.
In my version of Fig Jam, I have added Chia seeds. Now Chia seeds, we all know is a superfood. Getting our little ones eat something that is healthy and nutritious is always a challenge. So incorporating such ingredients into our daily meals and recipes can help them eat well without comprising their favourite food. Chia seeds also act as a thickening agent in the recipe, since it soaks up the moisture from the jam, so you get that store-bought spread consistency without any additives.
With no preservatives or additives, this Dried Figs And Chia Jam is a must try. #backtoschool Share on X
Like I said, there are no preservatives or additives in this jam. Natural ingredients like lemon juice take the place of citric acid and chia seeds act as a natural pectin which acts as a thickening agent. So no artificial powders or additives here.
For the flavouring part, I have added cardamom, vanilla extract, and cinnamon powder. Vanilla and cardamom give this jam a beautiful aroma and flavour, while cinnamon makes it a comforting warm fuzzy spread. It reminds me of Autumn in July. Also cinnamon has its own health benefits.
This Dried Fig And Chia Jam can make a delicious edible gift too. You can save it for the upcoming holiday season. People would love it. Go ahead and make this healthy yet delicious jam. I am sure you will make this more often.
Let’s go through the recipe:
Dried Figs And Chia Jam
The easiest and healthiest jam you will ever make. With bonus- no added preservatives.
You Need:
- 1 cup Dried Figs
- 1+1/2 cups Water
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 2 Cardamom Pods
- 1 tbsp Chia Seeds
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 tsp Cinnamon Powder
How To Make It:
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Start by washing and cutting dries figs into 4 pieces. Remove the stems, if any.
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In a pot add dried figs, water, cardamom pods and brown sugar. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes on medium heat.
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After 5 minutes, add chia seeds, lemon juice, vanilla extract and cinnamon powder. Mix everything well.
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Switch off the flame and cover the pot. Leave this, till it cools down. At this point, chia seeds will soak up the liquid from the jam.
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Once cooled, run this through a food processor. Do not add any liquid
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Transfer this to an airtight jar or mason jar. Keep it refrigerated.
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Enjoy this jam with your favourite food.
My Little Notes:
Make sure to wash dried figs well to get rid of any debris and sulphates. I have used organic Black Mission dried figs in this recipe.
Dried figs are a good source of fibre. They are packed with potassium, iron, and minerals, along with vitamins and antioxidants. Figs have been cultivated since ages in warm and semi-arid climates which is similar to the environment in which dates grow. Some of the varieties of figs available in the market are the Black Mission, Kadota, Calimyrna and Brown turkey. I personally prefer dried black mission figs for baby food, as they are sweeter and gives baby purees a sweet earthy taste. While shopping for dried figs, pick packets which are unbroken. Look for any mold or sour smell. Commercially grown figs at times can be treated with sulphites to extend their shelf life. To avoid babies and toddlers getting sulphites in their system, it’s better to go for Organic Dried Figs.
Chia seeds are a good source of protein, Omega 3 fatty acids, and dietary fiber. They are filled with antioxidants. Chia seeds are accepted well from toddlerhood. So I would make sure to introduce chia into a child’s diet after 2 or 3 years of age. Also, please make sure to talk to your pediatrician before introducing any new foods to your child.
Cinnamon has its own share of benefits too. It is an excellent source of manganese, fiber, and calcium. It also controls blood sugar level. Just a smell of cinnamon boost’s brain function. So it is perfect for school going kids as well as for us.
Important Note:
Talk to your baby’s Pediatrician before starting any new food.
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That’s interesting. I’ve never made dried fig jam before.. I always make fresh fig jam and we love it. My son loves dried figs so he might like it very much. Can’t wait to try – Yum!
Fig lovers will love this jam. Me and my daughter and absolute fig lovers. We both just eat straight from the jar. 😀
I love figs! I have never thought to do anything with them, other than just eat them. Great use!
I’d love to make this…it looks and sounds wonderful!
My mom used to make fig preserves a lot and they were delicious. I bet I would really enjoy this as well.
I love fig jam, and eat it with a slice of baked brie. I will definitely have to try this recipe. Thank you so much!
I absolutely love figs fresh or not it is one of my favorite fruits. This idea is perfect for my toast and for pairing it with cheese yummy!
Yumm!! I can picture this on a nice crostini with some fresh goat cheese! We normally do an appetizer at Christmas with Fig Jam so I will have to make this one and see what everyone thinks!
I’ve made different kinds of jams and jellies but I’ve never used figs in preserves before. Your recipe sounds delicious!
Love this dried fig and chia jam, this is one of the healthy jam. I have to make it for my daughter as she takes only jam and bread to the school lunch.
I love homemade jams, so much healthier than whatever is available in stores. I’ve never tried adding chia seeds to jams, it must have an interesting texture. Perfect for a healthy breakfast.
I buy fig jam regularly. I prefer making my own and this is a great one for me to make!
I have never made Fig Jam before so I am very interested to try this. SO good to add Chia Seeds. A really great recipe
Hello!
Is the sugar necessary in this recipe?
I am hoping to make this for a 10 month old baby with no sugar.
Will it be ok?
Yes sure, you can skip sugar. I hope this helps. 🙂