I decided to experiment with Thrive Freeze Dried (FD) fruits to see if I could make a quick and easy refrigerator jam. I wanted to create a "Basic" recipe that you could use any of Thrive FD fruits or
combinations of Thrive FD fruits that you could make your own variations. How creative can you get?
I also decided to use Chia Seeds as the "thickening" agent. It has no taste and as it "swells," it absorbs the taste of the liquid it is in. Most Chia Seeds are black & white. You can also get just white seeds, which I think looks better in the lighter colored fruits like peaches, pineapple, mango, etc. But taste wise, it doesn't matter which seeds you use.
". . . Why would you want to eat Chia?
Chia seeds are said to have:
- 2 times the protein of any other seed or grain,
- 5 times the calcium of milk, plus boron which is a trace mineral that helps transfer calcium into your bones,
- 2 times the amount of potassium as bananas,
- 3 times the reported antioxidant strength of blueberries
- 3 times more iron than spinach
- copious amounts of omega-3 and omega-6, which are essential fatty acids
They are a complete source of protein, providing all the essential amino acids in an easily digestible form. They are also a fabulous source of soluble fiber . . . They can hold 9-12 times their weight in water and they absorb it very rapidly - in under 10 minutes . . . " Click here for more information about Chia Seeds and other Chia Recipes.
Now back to the Jam --
It took me a few tries to get it right - My "mistakes" got thrown into smoothies and they were very good -- and NO waste! :O) So don't be afraid to experiment. It doesn't take a lot of time and if you don't like it as jam, just make a smoothie!
Here's my first variation on the above Basic Recipe --
Thrive FD Blueberries, Raspberries, & Blackberries.
Thrive Melon Berry Burst Drink Mix & Chia Seeds
Now I'm going to get fancy - and it turned out SO, SO GOOD!!!!!!!!!!
Thrive FD Peaches & Mangos
Thrive Simply Peach Drink Mix & White Chia Seeds
Almond Extract & chopped Pecans
Here's the recipe:
I also made:
Now it's your turn.
What varieties of Thrive Refrigerator Chia Jam
can you come up with?
Make sure you share your discoveries in the comments.