Recipe: Native Lilly Pilly and guava jam

You can use any seasonal fruits you have too much off : this is what I had growing around :

1 pound fresh local strawberries, washed, hulled, and sliced
A cup of Lilly pilly- washed, pits taken out
5 guavas - Remove the seeds using a spoon to scoop them out. Use quava pure.
3 tbsp coconut nectar add 1 more tablespoon if you like your jam very sweet, or other sweetener your choice
2 tbsp chia seeds
half lime, lemon or finger limes

~ instructions :

Heat a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the strawberries, lilli pilli & guava pure . Add the coconut nectar and place on the stove over medium heat.
As the fruits begin to soften over the heat, stir them around in their juices and the nectar .
Once the berries have softened to the point that they're starting to fall apart, use a potato masher or fork to break them up even more.
Let the mixture come to a slow boil, stirring almost continually. Once you see some big bubbles break the surface, add the chia seeds.
The chia seeds will help the jam achieve a gelatinous texture while also adding fibre, protein and healthy omega 3 .
Continue stirring the mixture over low heat for about 15 minutes, and then remove the pan from the stove. Add lemon juice.
If you enjoy jam with small chunks of fruit in it, then you're done! Simply pour the mixture into a mason jar and cover it tightly with a lid.
If you'd prefer jam with a smoother texture, feel free to add the mixture to your blender and pulse it a few times before pouring it into a mason jar. Or, use an immersion blender and pulse only a few times.
While the jam is still hot it may seem more fluid that you would expect. The chia seeds need a bit of time to do their work, so let the jam cool to room temperature in the jar and then put your jar of jam in the fridge for a few hours and it will achieve the perfect texture.

~ if you have finger limes around , I love to add them in the mix too as it makes such a nice flavour combinations 🧡

Spread over your favourite toast, on the top of freshly baked banana bread, as a dollop over your winter porridge…add to cakes and treats ….