Raw Mixed Berry Seeded Jam Recipe

Raw vegan jam is a delightful and nutritious alternative to conventional jams found in stores, offering a fresh and vibrant way to enjoy your favorite fruits. It's also a great way to get a boost of antioxidants that are key in berries. Traditional jams often contain added refined sugars as their first ingredient along wtih preservatives and artificial flavors. Raw jams however, are made from whole, unprocessed ingredients, preserving all of the nutrients and the all of their natural flavors and sweetness. Conventional jams and preserves are boiled to a degree that dramatically alters their sweetness, which is why so much sugar has to be put in. By opting for a homemade raw vegan jam, you not only support a healthier lifestyle but embrace the vibrant taste and vibrant colors of whole fruit.

This recipe is simply a champion. It not only has the antioxidant power from the berries, but the heart health perks from the chia and sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are great for lowering LDL and triglycerides. Their lignans and phytosterols are known to repair and support the arteries. Sesame seeds contain a phytonutrient called sesamin which helps to relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure. Chia seeds contain one of the riches plant sources of ALA omega 3 fatty acids. Getting more omega 3's also increases our fiber intake which can support healthier cholesterol levels and blood sugar stability. Combining these powerhouse seeds into one recipe creates a stronger and more denser nutritional spectrum for your nutrition goals.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup frozen mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries)

• 3 tablespoons Chia seeds

• 3 tablespoons hulled dried Sesame seeds

• 4 large Medjool Dates, soaked, pitted, and finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons fresh Lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Mexican Vanilla

Instructions

Soak the dates in about 3/4 cup water max. Pit and then chop the dates well after they are softened, then add them back into the water. We won't be blending on high speed so make sure to mince them well by hand. This prevents big chunks of dates being left in the jam.

Next, add the berries, dates with their water, seeds, lemon juice, and vanilla. Blend on low speed, just to get things moving. Remember, we dont' want a smoothie, we want textured jam so we stay on low speeds.

Scrape out the jam into a jar. Keep sealed and refrigerate. Stays fresh for up to 5 days, but I don't think it will last that long. I make a new jar once a week. Spread the jam on toast, swirl it into oatmeal, or spread it on unsweetened brown rice cakes! The fact that its naturally lightly sweetened makes it very versatile.

Makes about 2 cups of jam or preserves.

Then he gave a loaf of bread, a cake of dates and a cake of raisins to each Israelite man and woman. ~1 Chronicles 16:3

written by Lupita Ronquillo, founder of Vegan Health and Yoga