Homemade Elderberry Chia Jam

Autumn is often seen as a season of harvest, a time to slow down after months of blooming, growing, and bustling around. It’s the perfect time to embrace cosy, homemade treats—like jam!
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I recently learned that the same Sambucus tree gives us both fragrant elderflowers in the spring/summer and elderberries in the fall. Inspired by this discovery, I revisited the beautiful trees near my home to collect some elderberries as now is the season to pick them. As someone who loves homemade, nutrient-rich treats, I appreciate that elderberries are packed with antioxidants and are known to help fight off colds and flu according to some studies.*

I’d like to share my recipe for a delicious and easy-to-make elderberry chia jam. I managed to collect about 2 cups of berries, so this recipe reflects that amount.

Ingredients (for a 1-liter jar of jam)

• 1 cup of brown sugar (for medium sweetness), add more if you prefer sweeter taste 
• Juice of one lemon
• ½ teaspoon of cinnamon powder (or 1 cinnamon stick)
• 2 tablespoons of chia seeds

Method

1. Use a fork to carefully remove the berries from their stems, ensuring you only pick the fully ripened black berries.
2. Wash the berries thoroughly in a strainer.
3. In a pot, add the berries and enough water to cover them by about 1 cm. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium/low. Add the sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon, little more water if it looks dry, and cover the pot.
4. Once the sugar has dissolved, let the mixture simmer for another 5-10 minutes.
5. Remove the pot from heat and remove the cinnamon stick. Stir in the chia seeds. Set it aside to cool completely. 
6. While the jam is cooling, sterilise your jar. Once the jam has cooled, transfer it to the jar.
7. Store the jar in a cool, dark place—or in the fridge for extra freshness.

​Enjoy this jam spread on toast, croissants, or pair it with crackers and cheese on a charcuterie board. It also makes a perfect accompaniment to a glass of red wine!


*National Library of Medicine