Fresh Peach Chia Jam

Of all the flavors that scream summer, peaches have a special place in my heart come this time of year. On our way to and from Camp Mystic, where my sister and I spent the month of July for years, my family would always stop at Burg’s Corner in the hill country.

This small town farm stand carries the most delicious fresh vegetables, canned goods of all types, and of course, peaches! And anyone from Texas will tell you that Fredericksburg peaches will give Georgia a run for its money any day.

As Sam and I returned from our weekend in Marfa, it wasn’t even a question whether or not a stop at Burg’s Corner was in order. Along with lots of fresh zucchini, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers, I carried home two types of peaches that I’ve been enjoying daily since.

And while a fresh, juicy peach always hits the spot, I wanted to get creative and find other uses for these summery beauties. From there, my Fresh Peach Chia Jam was born!

Not only are peaches truly nature’s candy, but they’re also packed with incredible health benefits as well. Stone fruits have been seen to ward off obesity-related illnesses, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and more.

Peaches are likewise packed with vitamin C, fiber and potassium which protect against cancer, promote heart health and improve digestion.

As for this easy spread, all you need are fresh, ripe peaches, chia seeds and cinnamon for a little added spice and depth. Because my peaches were particularly delicious and sweet themselves, I didn’t need any added sweetener. If you prefer a sweeter jam or are using less ripe peaches, a bit of honey or maple syrup will do the trick.

In typical jam or jelly, added pectin is needed to thicken the fruit mixture and create the consistency you expect. In this version, I instead used chia seeds, whose outer shells have the ability to absorb 10 times their weight in liquid. This creates a gel-like consistency and allows the jam to thicken naturally.

Chia seeds themselves are packed with protein, nutrients and digestion-boosting fiber. If you’re looking for other ways to enjoy chia seeds, check out Caro’s No-Bake Cookies and my Superfood Chia Porridge!

To create this tasty spread, add your pitted peaches, cinnamon and sweetener (if using) to a blender or food processor, and you’re in business. Personally, I chose not to remove the skins, but you can certainly take this extra step if you prefer. Then, mix in the chia seeds and allow the mixture to sit in the fridge for several hours.

Enjoy this naturally delicious and incredibly nutritious jam on everything from toast and PB&J to yogurt and oatmeal. You’ll be shocked by just how simple it is to make at home, without the refined sugars, preservatives and junk packed into store-bought varieties.

This summer, I urge you to take advantage of these tasty fruits while they last! And while Burg’s Corner peaches bring back childhood memories for me, you might just be able to create a new summer tradition of your own  .