Simple Homemade Fig Jam
Simple Homemade Fig Jam
Easy Fig Jam Recipe: How to Make and Store It Perfectly
Make delicious fig jam at home with this simple recipe using fresh, seasonal figs! Figs, available from August to November, are low in calories (about 43kcal per 100g), making them a healthy snack option, and are known to support the prevention of high blood pressure and diabetes. By preserving homemade jam from fresh, seasonal figs, you can enjoy their sweetness year-round. This recipe includes easy-to-follow steps and tips to help you achieve the perfect fig jam. Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade jam!
Ingredients- 800g ripe fresh figs
- 300g white or brown sugar (about 40% of fig weight, adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (approx. 30ml)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Start by preparing fresh, ripe figs. This is a crucial first step that determines the flavor and aroma of your jam.
Step 2
Be mindful of the small opening at the bottom of the fig, as water can seep in during washing. Preventing this helps maintain the quality and shelf-life of your jam.
Step 3
Gently wash the figs under running water by lightly rubbing them, holding the stem. Wash carefully to avoid damaging the skin. After washing, place them stem-side up on a rack or colander to drain thoroughly. Excess water can make the jam watery.
Step 4
Cut the clean, dried figs into bite-sized pieces. If the figs are small, like the ones in the photo (about the size of a baby’s fist), cutting them into 8 pieces is ideal. For larger figs, you can cut them into 6 or 4 pieces to ensure chunks of fruit are present in the jam. Adjust the size of the fruit pieces according to your preference.
Step 5
Use a deep, non-stick pot for making jam. This type of pot helps prevent the jam from boiling over and sticking to the bottom, ensuring a clean and smooth result.
Step 6
You can use either white or brown sugar. Brown sugar adds a subtle caramel flavor and a deeper color to the jam. Typically, about half the weight of the fruit is used as sugar, but you can adjust the amount based on the sweetness of the figs and your personal preference. This recipe uses a slightly reduced amount of sugar for a healthier option.
Step 7
In the deep pot, combine the prepared figs and sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar and figs are well mixed. After a short while, put on sanitary gloves and gently mash the figs with your hands. If you prefer jam with pieces of fruit, mash them lightly. Mashing beforehand can also shorten the cooking time.
Step 8
Now it’s time to cook the jam. Initially, bring it to a boil over high heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to medium and continue to simmer slowly, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 9
Simmering over medium heat for about 20 minutes will deepen the color of the jam and start to thicken it. At this stage, add 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice balances the sweetness, adds flavor, and its pectin helps the jam thicken quickly.
Step 10
After adding the lemon juice, continue to simmer for just 5 more minutes. The jam will thicken further as it cools, so it’s best to turn off the heat when it still looks slightly runny. Overcooking can result in hard jam once cooled.
Step 11
Here’s a simple test to check if your jam is ready: drop a small amount of jam into a bowl of cold water. If the jam holds its shape and doesn’t spread out, it’s done. If it spreads, continue simmering for a bit longer.
Step 12
Once the jam is ready, let it cool completely before transferring it into sterilized glass jars or airtight containers. Transferring hot jam can risk breaking the container and may affect the jam’s quality.
Step 13
When portioning the jam, it’s convenient to use small containers. As shown in the photo, filling small side dishes or small containers makes it easy to take out and use one portion at a time.
Step 14
For long-term storage, it’s recommended to seal the containers tightly and freeze the jam. This will keep it fresh and prevent spoilage for an extended period. To serve, take out a frozen portion and thaw it slowly in the refrigerator. You can also keep smaller portions refrigerated for immediate use.
Step 15
This homemade fig jam is delicious with its chewy fig pieces! Enjoy it with bread, yogurt, cheese, and more!
