Sweet and Simple: How to Make Fig Jam

Figs are luscious, sweet fruits that have a delightful taste that is enjoyed by many. For a long time, fig jam has been a favorite spread that is enjoyed on toast, crackers, and scones. It is not only delicious but is also healthy and nutritious. Making fig jam at home is an excellent way to enjoy the fruit’s goodness all year round, and it is a straightforward process that does not require a lot of ingredients.

To make fig jam, it is essential to have fresh and fully ripe figs. Once you have the fresh figs, there are different ways to make fig jam depending on how you want it to taste. You can make it with added spices like cinnamon or just keep it plain. In this article, we will highlight a step-by-step guide on how to make fig jam at home using minimal ingredients.

Gather the Ingredients

Making fig jam doesn’t require fancy or difficult-to-find ingredients. In fact, most of the items you need can be found at your local grocery store. Here are the things you need to make delicious fig jam:

Fresh Figs

The star of the show – fresh figs! Make sure to choose figs that are ripe, but not too soft or mushy. You can typically find fresh figs in the produce section of your grocery store during the summer months.

Sugar

The sugar is what sweetens and thickens the jam. You’ll need to use about ¾ cup of sugar per every pound of figs, but feel free to adjust the amount to your liking.

Lemon

Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy flavor to the jam. Use the juice of one lemon to every pound of figs.

Vanilla Extract

A touch of vanilla extract will help enhance the sweet, fruity flavor of the figs. Use about ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract for every pound of figs.

Pectin

Pectin is a natural thickening agent that helps turn your fig mixture into a thick, spreadable jam. You can find pectin in the baking aisle of your grocery store.

Cinnamon (optional)

For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon to your fig jam recipe.

Water

Water is essential for cooking down the figs and creating the jam’s texture. You’ll need to use about ½ cup of water per pound of figs.

Salt

Just a pinch of salt can help balance out the sweetness of the figs and sugar. Use about ⅛ teaspoon of salt for every pound of figs.

Jars and Lids

Have your clean, empty jars and lids at the ready before you start cooking the figs. You’ll want to make sure you have enough jars to store the finished jam.

Candy Thermometer

While not required, a candy thermometer can be useful for ensuring your jam reaches the proper temperature for setting. A digital thermometer will provide an accurate reading of the temperature of the jam mixture.

Preparing the Figs

Now that you have all your ingredients, it’s time to get started on making the jam. The first step is to prepare the figs.

Wash and Dry Fresh Figs

Rinse fresh figs under cool running water and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Remove the Stems and Blossom Ends

Cut off the stems and blossom ends from each fig with a sharp knife. You can also quarter the figs to make them easier to cook and mash.

Cook the Figs

Place the figs in a large, heavy-bottomed pot and add water, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla and cinnamon (if using), and salt. Cook the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring frequently until the sugar has dissolved.

Cooking and Canning the Jam

After you’ve prepared the figs, it’s time to cook and can your jam. Follow these steps to create a delicious, shelf-stable spread.

Cook the Mixture until Thickened

Use a candy thermometer to keep track of the temperature as the fig mixture simmers. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches 220°F which is the ideal temperature to thicken your jam.

Prepare the Jars

Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for ten minutes. Once they’re hot, you can add the hot jam mixture to the jars.

Filling the Jars

Use a ladle or a large spoon to fill the jars with fig jam, leaving about ½ inch of headspace at the top.

Sealing the Jars

Wipe the rim of the jar to ensure a clean seal, place the lid on top, and screw the ring tightly closed.

Process the Jars

Place each sealed jar into a boiling water bath canner and process them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Remove them from the canner and let them cool to room temperature.

Ingredients for Fig Jam

Making fig jam is a fun and tasty way to preserve figs from your garden, or to enjoy the fruit in a new way if you’ve never tried it before. Before we dive into the recipe, let’s go over the ingredients you’ll need to make a delicious batch of fig jam.

1. Fresh figs – This recipe calls for around 2.5 pounds of fresh figs, but don’t worry if you have a bit more or less than that. You can also experiment with different varieties of figs if you have access to them.

2. Granulated sugar – You’ll need about 2 cups of granulated sugar to sweeten the jam.

3. Fresh lemon juice – Lemon juice adds a bright, tart flavor to the jam. You’ll need around 1/4 cup of juice.

4. Pectin – This ingredient helps the jam set properly. You can use either powdered or liquid pectin for this recipe.

5. Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is optional, but it can add a warm, comforting flavor to the jam.

6. Cloves – Whole cloves are also optional, but they can add a subtle spicy note to the jam.

7. Water – You’ll need a bit of water to help dissolve the sugar and pectin.

8. Clean jars and lids – Make sure you have enough clean jars and lids to hold your finished jam.

9. Wide-mouthed funnel – A funnel can help you fill your jars without making a mess.

10. Large pot – You’ll need a large pot to cook the jam in. Look for a pot that’s at least 6 quarts in size.

Now that you have your ingredients prepped and ready, let’s move on to the fun part: actually making the jam!

Ingredients for Homemade Fig Jam

Making homemade fig jam can be a satisfying and delicious experience. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make your own jam:

Choosing the Right Figs

The first step in making fig jam is choosing the right type of figs. You can use any variety of figs, but some varieties, such as the Black Mission and Brown Turkey figs, are better suited to jam making. Look for figs that are ripe, but not overly soft.

Preparing the Figs

To prepare the figs for jam making, wash them thoroughly and remove the stems. Slice the figs in half and place them in a large saucepan.

Combining Sugar and Lemon Juice

In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar and fresh lemon juice together until the sugar is completely dissolved. Pour the mixture over the figs in the saucepan and add the water and cinnamon stick.

Cooking the Jam

Bring the fig mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally, until the figs are soft and the mixture has thickened.

Once the jam has thickened, remove the cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender to puree until smooth. Pour the jam into clean jars and let cool to room temperature before storing in the refrigerator. Homemade fig jam can last up to 3 months if stored properly. Enjoy your delicious homemade fig jam with toast, biscuits, or as a topping for ice cream!

Enjoy your Homemade Fig Jam

We hope you had a great time preparing your very own jar of fig jam. Remember, jam making is more than just a recipe, it is an experience that gives you a chance to explore new things in the kitchen and create something delicious. Thanks for reading and we can’t wait to see you again for more exciting recipes. Happy jamming!