DIY fresh strawberry delight - Jam-a-long

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.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Indian
Servings 1 cup
Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 gms strawberries, hulled and coarsely chopped
  • 3/4 cup of organic jaggery or raw honey, to be added after switching off the flame
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp soaked chia seeds

Instructions
 

  • 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. 

Nutrition

Calories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 7.6gProtein: 1gFat: 0.8g
Keyword traditional
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

DIY Spa Day At Home - A Glowing Face Pack

Luke Coutinho
Did you know that strawberries are not only a treat for the taste buds, but also for your skin? They contain salicylic acid and are a natural source of AHA. They act as a natural exfoliator and a powerful complexion booster. Wondering how to use the tiny red buds in your skincare routine? Here is a DIY face pack you can try today that will make you feel like you have spent a day at the spa.

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Take a blender and add 3 to 4 fresh ripe strawberries with 3 to 4 cucumber pieces. Blend finely.
  • Now remove it in a container. Add honey and aloe vera gel. Mix well.
  • Apply this paste and let it stay on the face for 15 minutes.
  • Wash off with lukewarm water.

Power tips and variations

  • Use bananas or apples when strawberries are unavailable.

Notes

  • Honey has natural moisturizing benefits that keep the skin soft and supple.
    The high water content in cucumber moisturizes and hydrates the skin without imparting any oiliness.
  • Strawberries contain alpha hydroxy acids and Vitamin C, which help eliminate dead skin cells, cleanse the skin, and keep it healthy and vibrant.
Disclaimer: Please do a patch test to check if this suits you. In case of sensitivity or allergy, you will notice a rash/redness/itching on the area. If you have no symptoms, you are good to go.
Learn more about the seasonal berry here.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!