Delicious Homemade Fig Jam Recipe
Fig jam is a delicious and versatile preserve made from fresh or dried figs, sugar, and often a bit of lemon juice or zest to enhance the flavor. It has a rich, sweet taste with a subtle earthiness that comes from the figs. The jam can range in texture from smooth to slightly chunky, depending on how it’s prepared.
I’ll be sharing with you my homemade fig jam recipe that has always produced the best result for me and very tasty for my family.
Homemade Fig Jam Recipe
The easiest to follow fig jam recipe on the internet. If you want to quickly make some fig jam at home then this is the guide to follow.
Equipment
- Medium-sized heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Zester or grater
- Lemon squeezer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sterilized jars with lids
- Ladle
- Funnel (optional for easy jar filling)
- Candy thermometer (optional for precise cooking)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs about 900g fresh figs, washed and quartered
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- ½ cup water
- 1 tsp vanilla extract optional
- 1 pinch of salt
Instructions
Prepare the Figs:
- Start by washing the figs thoroughly under running water. Remove the stems and quarter the figs.
Combine Ingredients:
- In the saucepan, combine the quartered figs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, water, and a pinch of salt.
Cook the Mixture:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture gently until the sugar dissolves and the figs release their juices.
Simmer the Jam:
- Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam will thicken as it cooks.
Check for Doneness:
- If you’re using a candy thermometer, the jam should reach around 220°F (105°C) for the ideal consistency. Alternatively, you can place a small amount of jam on a cold plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready.
Add Vanilla Extract (Optional):
- For a hint of extra flavor, stir in the vanilla extract in the last few minutes of cooking.
Cool and Store:
- Once the jam has thickened, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly. Use a ladle to transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars. Seal the jars with lids and allow them to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Here are some common uses for fig jam:
- Spread on Toast: A classic use for fig jam is as a spread on toast, biscuits, or scones.
- Cheese Pairing: It pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses, especially brie, goat cheese, and blue cheese, making it perfect for cheese boards.
- Glaze for Meats: Fig jam can be used as a glaze for meats like pork, chicken, or lamb, adding a sweet and savory element.
- Baking: It can be used as a filling for pastries, tarts, or cookies.
- Salad Dressing: When mixed with vinegar and oil, fig jam can serve as the base for a sweet and tangy salad dressing.
