raw blueberry and apple jam

Yesterday I went blueberry picking at North Village in Shoo Town (300 yen for 1 cup + one or ten cheeky testers whilst picking) with my beautiful neighbour and her delicious baby whom by the way has been making me insanely clucky! Japanese babies are so scrummy!! Today, we made raw blueberry and apple jam – so healthy and supa easy! Please try it and let me know what you think! FYI, this recipe is naturally free from refined sugar, gluten and dairy.

2 cups fresh blueberries
1/4 cup natural apple juice
2 tbsp pure maple syrup

2 tbsp chia seed

In a food processor or blender, mix together the blueberries, apple juice and maple syrup until  well combined and chunky.

Pour mixture into 1 or 2 jam jars then add chia seeds.

Mix mix mix thoroughly.

Refrigerate for a few hours before spreading on hot toast or mixing through greek yoghurt -yummy!

Raw Blackcurrant, Strawberry and Chia Seed Jam

Incredibly rich in numerous health benefiting phyto-nutrients and anti-oxidants, blackcurrants are undoubtedly one of this summer’s most popular superfoods and here’s why:

In a recent experiment, blackcurrants proved superior in antioxidants compared to the other 24 tested fruits. TWENTY FOUR.
-Forget oranges, blackcurrants contain higher levels of vitamin C than any other commercially available fruit or vegetable (a mere 1/2 cup provides the recommended daily intake for only 39 calories!).

In addition, they contain vitamins B and E, are high in copper and potassium, low in sodium, high in soluble fibre and high in Omega 3 and 6. (In other words, Mae West was right; ““Too much of a good thing can be wonderful!”)

Last but not least, clinical trials show that regular consumption of blackcurrants reduces muscle stiffening and muscle fatigue, improves kidney function, increases blood flow and blood circulation and improves eye function and visual fatigue.

Okay, enough science. Let’s jam.

2 cups frozen organic blackcurrants (I used local ViBeri blackcurrants)
3/4 fresh strawberries
1/4 cup all-natural apple juice
2 tbsp raw honey/maple or agave syrup
2 tbsp chia seeds

In a food processor, pulse the berries, apple juice and honey until just combined (more chunkyish than smooth)

Transfer berry mixture to a glass jam jar. Add chia seeds then mix thoroughly until everything is combined well.

Refrigerate for at least two hours before nom nom.

Enjoy on warm toast or add a dollop on your granola, porridge and/or smoothie bowl.

*vegan
*gluten-free
*dairy-free
*refined sugar-free