Cherry Chia Seed Preserve

By Sadhika on

It's a mundane Thursday, where time seems to drag on and you feel a bit disconnected. The weather matches the mood — cloudy skies without a drop of rain. Thankfully, I found some fresh cherries in the fridge, though they were only mildly sweet for this time of year. Inspired, I whipped up a delightful cherry preserve. 

Homemade preserves might sound like something only grandmothers with vast cellars and an abundance of mason jars can pull off, but trust me, this recipe is as easy as pie—cherry pie, to be precise!

Ingredients:

  • 2 to 3 cups of fresh cherries 
  • 4 tbsp jaggery powder (depends on the sweetness of your cherries, no pun intended)
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Soak the cherries in water for a good 20 mins. I like to sprinkle a pinch or two of salt in this water. My grandma said this helps to draw out the bugs and removes pesticides as well. 
  2. Drain the water, and wash and pit the cherries. I suppose frozen cherries would do as well, as long as you let them thaw.
  3. Heat ½ cup of water in a saucepan (preferably non-stick) over a medium flame. Once the water begins to boil, add the jaggery and stir. Once the jaggery is completely dissolved, add the cherries. 
  4. Over medium heat, cook the cherries until they start to break down and release their juices. This should take about 5-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. At this point, the cherries will turn to a duller red and this is when we start crushing. Mash the cherries with the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher.
  6. Add the lemon juice at this point. This will enhance the flavour and add a delightful zing to your preserve.
  7. Turn off the heat and stir in the chia seeds. This will thicken the preserve further as it cools. Store it in a clean, dry mason jar once cooled completely.

Note: I have not used sodium benzoate or any other preservative. So it will keep in the refrigerator for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!

More add-ins: 

  • Honey, maple syrup or sugar in place of jaggery
  • Vanilla extract
  • Spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves or star anise
  • Red wine
  • Bourbon

Serving suggestions: 

  • Toast Topper: Slather it on your morning toast for a vibrant and healthy start to your day.
  • Yogurt Swirl: Mix it into plain yogurt for a naturally sweetened treat. You can also drizzle some over vanilla ice cream.
  • Pancake Topping: Drizzle over pancakes, french toast or waffles for a fruity twist.
  • Cheese Companion: Pair it with your favourite cheese for a sophisticated snack.
  • Smoothie Booster: Add a spoonful  to your morning smoothie for an extra burst of flavour and nutrients. 
  • Overnight Oats Enhancer: Stir a couple of tablespoons into your overnight oats before refrigerating.
  • PB&J Upgrade: Elevate your classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich by swapping out regular jelly with cherry chia seed preserve.
  • Savoury Glaze: Brush it onto chicken or pork during the last few minutes of grilling for a fruity glaze. 

And there you have it —a delightful homemade cherry chia seed preserve that captures the essence of summer and the nostalgia of simpler times. 

This recipe isn’t just about creating something delicious; it’s about embracing the art of homemade goodness, cherishing the traditions of our ancestors, and infusing modern-day superfoods into our daily routines. Take a moment to savour the fruits of your labour and be sure to pass the recipe down the generations.

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