Luke Coutinho (Designed by Priyanka Vithlani, Meal Planning Analyst)
Winter is here. Are you thinking of gorging on a generous spread of strawberry jam on warm toast? Learn how to transform fresh delicious strawberries into a pint of red bottled nutritional punch loaded with Vitamin C, folate, potassium, magnesium, and a wealth of health-boosting ingredients.
In a heavy-bottomed pan, mix strawberries, jaggery, and lemon juice. Stir over low heat.
Mash the strawberries as you stir, continuing to boil until the jam thickens and bubbles completely cover its entire surface. It should take about 10 minutes.
Now add the chia seeds, and stir for another 2 minutes. Turn off the flame.
Once done, add honey or jaggery.
Let it cool down. Transfer it to an air-tight container or mason jar.
Power tips and variations
If you desire a smoother consistency, run the jam through the blender before transferring it into the jar.
You can opt to use any other berries, apricots, or apples for variety.
If chia seeds are unavailable, use soaked sweet basil seeds.
For a stronger taste and flavor, add cinnamon and ground ginger.
Notes
Strawberries are rich in anthocyanin, ellagic acid, ascorbic acid, folic acid, and minerals. They also contain a significant amount of beneficial molecules such as lignans and flavonoids and show biological activity against chronic and degenerative conditions.
The human body ingests heavy metals through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air that we breathe. These heavy metals compromise the functioning of the body and immunity at cellular levels and we must help the body cleanse itself.
Strawberries can bind with heavy metals and remove them from the body.
Disclaimer: Please keep your healthcare provider in the loop before introducing any new food item into your lifestyle, especially if you have a medical condition or are on medications. In case you are allergic to certain foods, please avoid them.