Raw grape jelly is a great alternative to cooked ones preserving many of the heat-sensitive antioxidants and enzymes, let alone how much easier it is to whip up a batch. This raw grape jam is also vegan and paleo.
If you love grapes, try my pickled grapes recipe. You will also love this easy 3-ingredient quince jam.
Instant Raw Jam
To be honest, I never have pectin stored in the pantry, so these chia seeds are life-savers on days I run out of jam. They thicken up fruit puree in no time while no cooking is required at all. I nicknamed the recipe “instant jam” owing to the fact that I made this raw chia Concord grape jelly in under 5 minutes.
How to Use Chia Seeds
Chia seeds are high in fiber, omega-3, plant protein, vitamins and minerals. They can be eaten raw or cooked, whole or ground, which makes chia seeds so versatile in recipes. The key to this instant jam is to grind up the chia seeds in a coffee grinder first before mixing with the grape puree. Whole chia seeds will take some time to absorb water and expand. Ground chia seeds work as a thickener Instantly.
What to Eat with Grape Jelly?
Enjoy this healthy grape jelly by pairing it with a nutritious baked treat.
- Gluten Free Orange Cranberry Coconut Scones
- Sorghum Bread with Sweet Potato and Raisin (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Kefir Fermented Honey Thyme Sourdough Cornbread
- Spelt Blueberry Muffins
- Paleo Coconut Kabocha Squash Muffins
Raw Chia Concord Grape Jelly
Ingredients
- 1 cup Concord grapes seedless
- 2 tablespoons chia seeds
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or to taste
Instructions
- Grind chia seeds in a coffee grinder into a fine powder.
- Puree 1 cup of grapes in a food processor until the skins are broken down.
- Add the chia seed ground and maple syrup into the food processor. Whiz again until all ingredients are well mixed. I don't like my foods very sweet, so 2 tbsp of maple syrup seems right for me. Now it's time to have a taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
- Store in a sealed glass jar in the fridge for 3-5 days.
Notes
- You may substitute Concord grapes with another kind of grapes. Concord grapes give a nice deep purple colour to the jelly, but they are a bit on the sour side. Other variety of grapes tend to be sweeter than Concord grapes. If you are like me, who doesn't have much of a sweet tooth, you may want to skip or reduce the maple syrup or any other added sweeteners when using a variety of grapes already quite sweet.
- Feel free to substitute grapes with other fruits, and watch out for the amount of chia seeds required. Adjustment may be needed depending on how juicy the fruits you use.
- Instead of grinding up the chia seeds, alternatively they can be used whole to thicken the jam. Expect to wait for at least 30 minutes for the whole chia seeds to soak up the fluid. This is an option for make ahead, instead of an instant jam.
- Raw jams are best made in small batches. Extra jams that can't be finished in 3 to 5 days can be stored in freezer.
Nutrition
So will it no longer be safe to eat after 3-5 days?
Can this jelly be made using just the grape juice liquid?
I love your idea using chia seeds.
I believe you can, but you will need to use more chia seeds to thicken.
I have a question about the grape seeds . Do they just get ground up with the skins?
The ones I got are seedless. Yes, I definitely just grind up the skin. If you can’t get seedless grapes, I think it’s ok to try to crush and blend them like with the skin.
My first concord grapes are ripe and ready. I love you jam idea. How do you deal with the seeds in the grapes? Is there a proper way to remove them that is the easiest?
I think the ones I got are seedless. In your case, I would probably just try blending in the food processor.
Do you think agave would be a good substitute for the maple syrup?
In what way? Yes, I think the texture of agave syrup would work as a substitute for maple syrup. But agave is very high in fructose and low in nutrients, which doesn’t make it a very healthy sweetener.
That chia seed thickener for instant jam is genius! I can’t wait to try this recipe!
Thanks, Britt!
Such a great alternative to the store bought version which are usually laden with sugar and artificial ingredients! I love how simple these are to make. And the color is gorgeous!
Thanks Jean! I agree with you. I generally find things I buy from the stores too sweet, so it’s nice to control my ingredients.
YES!! We’d devour this in my house! And that color is AMAZING!!!
Haha, thanks Christina!
Concord grapes are so beautiful aren’t they. They give such a wonderful colour to this healthy jam option, love it!
Oh yes, that natural colour of Concord grapes makes the jam that much more appetizing!
Omg, I don’t thin kI’ve ever tried concord grapes before! Must find some!
The Concord grapes are called the grapest grapes! They are less sweet but really are packed with the distinct flavours of grapes.
What a beautiful recipe. Love the chia seeds!
Thanks, Linda!
So easy! I’ve never made jelly/jam because I don’t want to mess with all the pectin and canning, etc. THIS I could do!
Lindsey, how funny! That’s exactly my thoughts too. ☺️
That jam is gorgeous! I’ve never tried making it with chia before. I can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Thanks Raia! There is little guilt eating it that’s for sure.
I love Concord grapes so much! They’re my favorite and I look forward to them at the end of every summer. I haven’t seen any here yet, hopefully they’ll start showing up early fall.
Emily, I hear you!!! We are more up north and the fall has come early for the Ontarians ☺️
Love this idea! My kids will love helping make it and eating it! Thank you!
You are welcome Renee! Have fun cooking with the little ones. ❤️ Working in the kitchen with them is truly the best way to teach children a healthy eating habit!