Hibiscus Cherry Chia Jam (vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free)
Jul 29, 2019 • Updated Jun 20, 2023
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Delicious, 3-ingredient Hibiscus Cherry Chia Jam!
Great on toast, oatmeal, with peanut butter, or yogurt, this Hibiscus Cherry Chia Jam is an easy, homemade jam made with some seriously nutritious ingredients plus delicious sweet cherry flavour. It’s easy to make, requires no sweeteners or added sugar, and is made with only 3 ingredients (not counting water, that is!).
I’ve partnered with NW Cherry Growers to bring you this sweet cherry recipe—a staple in my fridge that replaces store-bought jam! Sweet cherries are at their peak between the months of June and August and are perfectly fresh and sweet this time of year. They’re great to snack on during the summer and can also be frozen towards the end of the season to enjoy through the rest of the year. You can make this recipe with either fresh or frozen sweet cherries, which means you can make it all year round.
To make this recipe we’ll be using sweet cherries, dried hibiscus flowers, chia seeds and water. I’ll include a few optional ingredients in the recipe notes, if you want to level up your jam!
The details
- This Hibiscus Cherry Chia Jam recipe is vegan, gluten free, refined sugar free, whole food plant based and raw vegan.
- Using Northwest-grown sweet cherries, no sugar or added sweetener is needed in this recipe at all. Perks of perfectly ripe summer fruit, am I right?
- If you’ve never cooked with sweet cherries before, definitely give it a try because unlike other cherry varieties, they are, as the name suggests, much sweeter and less sour.
- Cherries are rich in potassium, which helps the body regulate blood pressure. They’re powerful for helping to reduce inflammation and can provide natural relief for gout symptoms–something I learned from my uncle and grandfather, who both experience gout symptoms.
- Recently, I learned that cherries are also rich in melatonin, the hormone that regulates our sleep cycle.
- Hibiscus in this recipe is hydrating, high in antioxidants and can support healthy blood pressure. Chia seeds are also hydrating and provide the jam-like texture to the recipe. Chia seeds are high in fiber, protein and omega-3s. Listen, I wasn’t lying when I said this jam is jam packed with some serious nutrition!
Secret to success
If freezing your sweet cherries, I recommend pitting before storing in the freezer. When using, allow them to thaw, or heat before use for best results.
If you like this recipe, try…
- Cranberry Chia Jam
- Raspberry Rose Cardamom Chia Pudding
- Overnight Strawberry Shortcake Jar
- Adaptogenic PB&J Sandwiches
Hibiscus Cherry Chia Jam (vegan, gluten-free, refined sugar free)
Ingredients
- 2 cups halved sweet cherries
- 1/4 cup chia seeds
- 1/4 cup hibiscus tea*
- 1/2 vanilla bean scraped (or 1/2 tsp vanilla extract)
- optional
- maple syrup to taste
- other berries of choice
Instructions
- Begin by steeping hibiscus tea in warm water. Combine 1/2-1 tablespoon with 1 cup water and allow to steep for about 10-15 minutes. Strain, and save hibiscus tea.
- In a blender or food processor, add cherries, hibiscus tea, vanilla bean and maple syrup if using. Pulse, and allow for a few chunks to remain, if you'd like. Otherwise, blend until smooth.
- Pour mixture into a mason jar or other container, add chia seeds and stir. Let sit for about 5 minutes, stir again, and allow to soak for at least an hour for best results.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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