One of the joys of staying at Riveted Retreat is getting to experience the natural beauty and bounty that our property offers. Among the plants growing here is the American beautyberry, a strikingly vibrant berry with a subtle, earthy flavor. While they’re not typically eaten straight off the bush, they shine in jams and jellies, especially when combined with the sweetness of blueberries.
Today, I’m excited to share a simple, yet delightful recipe for Beautyberry Blueberry Chia Jam, made from fresh-picked berries right here at Riveted Retreat. My kids and I are obsessed with jam – we put it on everything from pancakes to yogurt. What I love about this jam is that it’s not only packed with nutrients, it’s also made with just a few ingredients: fruit, chia seeds, and maple syrup.
Looking for a traditional beautyberry jelly recipe? This is the recipe I plan to try next week with the 11 cups of berries we picked!
Beautyberry Blueberry Chia Jam
This recipe is as simple as it is delicious, using just a handful of ingredients, including maple syrup for natural sweetness and chia seeds as a thickener. The result is a wholesome jam that’s perfect for spreading on toast, topping yogurt, or eating straight from the jar (no judgment here).
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup beautyberry juice (approximately 1 cup of beautyberries)
- 1 cup blueberries (frozen or fresh)
- 4 tablespoons maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
Step 1: Make the Beautyberry Juice
The first step to this jam is extracting the juice from the beautyberries. Put berries in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring it to a boil, and let the berries cook down as you mash them gently. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp. I love to freeze leftover juice to make jam anytime!
Step 2: Cook the Blueberries
In the same pot, add 1 cup of blueberries and 1 cup of beautyberry juice. Cook them down over medium heat, stirring constantly. Break up blueberries with a potato masher or fork. Cook over low-medium heat for 10-15 minutes (or less if you’re in a hurry!)
Step 3: Sweeten and Thicken
Turn off the heat. Stir in 4 tablespoons of maple syrup and 3 tablespoons of chia seeds. The chia seeds will naturally thicken the jam as it sits, giving it a rich, spreadable texture.
Step 4: Let it Set
Let the jam sit for about 30 minutes to allow the chia seeds to work their magic and thicken the mixture. If you’re in a rush, feel free to add more chia seeds to speed up the process. Once it’s reached your desired consistency, you’re ready to enjoy your homemade Beautyberry Blueberry Chia Jam!
You can store this in the fridge for up to a week, or make a big batch, and freeze some to have later! That way, you can savor the taste of summer all year long!
A Taste of Riveted Retreat in Every Jar
This jam is more than just a delicious treat—it’s a taste of Riveted Retreat’s wild beauty in every bite. Whether you’re spreading it on your morning toast or gifting a jar to someone special, this Blueberry Beautyberry Jam is a sweet reminder of the nature and simplicity that our retreat offers.
Next time you’re here, take a walk through the woods, pick a few beautyberries, and bring the magic of Riveted Retreat into your own kitchen. Until then, I’ll be savoring this batch on a lazy weekend morning, and I hope you’ll do the same.
Book Your Stay at Riveted Retreat
Ready to escape the hustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature? Riveted Retreat offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern comfort, nestled on 12 private acres of woodland beauty. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a peaceful weekend retreat, our 1962 Airstream has everything you need to unwind—cozy fire pits, a double hammock, walking trails, and even a stock tank pool for cooling off in the summer.
Book your stay today and experience the magic of Riveted Retreat for yourself. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows by the fire, picking beautyberries for your own jam, or simply soaking in the peaceful surroundings, your perfect outdoor escape is just a click away!
