There’s something nostalgic and comfortable about creating your own jam. The process of boiling fruit, watching it thicken, then bottling it up feels like a connection to the past, to family kitchens and rustic traditions. One of the most beloved jams in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine is fig jam. Known for its sweet and somewhat earthy flavor, fig jam is not just a spread; it’s an experience that pulls together the flavors of late summer and early fall in a jar.
Figs, with their delicate flavor and unusual texture, make a superb jam. Whether you’re using fresh or dried figs, this homemade fig jam recipe is really easy to create, involves just a few ingredients, and is ideal for spreading over toast, serving with cheese, or using in desserts. In this guide, you’ll learn how to make fig jam at home, with step-by-step directions and plenty of advice to guarantee your jam comes out right every time.
Description: A simple and sweet homemade fig jam recipe, excellent for spreading over toast or used in desserts. Made with fresh or dried figs, this Mediterranean-inspired jam is easy to produce and rich with flavor.
- Duration: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Servings: 20 (roughly)
- Calories: 50 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 pounds fresh figs (or 1 pound dried figs)
- 1 cup sugar (modify to taste)
- ½ cup water (for fresh figs) or 1 cup water (for dried figs)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1 cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the Figs: If you’re using fresh figs, wash them carefully, remove the stems, and slice them into quarters. If you’re using dried figs, slice them into small pieces and soak them in warm water for 10 minutes to soften.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir the mixture to ensure the sugar melts evenly.
- Simmer the Jam: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring periodically. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat to low and let it simmer. Continue simmering for about 30-40 minutes, stirring regularly, until the figs break down and the jam thickens.
- Add Flavorings: Once the jam has thickened, remove it from the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using) for added depth of flavor.
- Blend (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to lightly combine the jam. You can keep it chunky or make it smoother depending on your desire.
- Store the Jam: Transfer the heated jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ½ inch of room at the top. Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature before keeping them in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar level based on the sweetness of your figs. Dried figs are normally sweeter, so you may want to lessen the sugar.
- This jam can stay up to 2 months in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight jar.
- To help it last longer, consider utilizing the water bath canning process.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy & Quick
This fig jam recipe is basic and doesn’t require any particular skills or equipment. You’ll have a lovely jar of jam in under an hour.
Versatile
Whether you’re using it to spread on toast, pair with cheese, or add to a dessert, fig jam is highly versatile and improves any dish.
No Preservatives
Unlike store-bought jams, this homemade version contains no preservatives or artificial ingredients, making it a healthier option.
Works with Fresh or Dried Figs
No fresh figs? No problem! This recipe works just as well with dried figs, which are generally simpler to acquire and store.
Great for Gifting
Fig jam makes for a lovely homemade present. Package it in a pretty jar with a bow, and you’ve got a thoughtful, edible present.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Figs
The star of the show! Fresh figs are excellent for this dish while in season, but dried figs work just as well. If using dried figs, take care to rehydrate them first by soaking them in warm water.
Sugar
Sugar helps sweeten and preserve the jam. If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the sugar, but bear in mind that this might impair the jam’s shelf life.
Lemon Juice
The acidity from lemon juice not only complements the sweetness of the figs but also helps the jam set properly. Don’t skip it!
Vanilla Extract
Vanilla provides warmth and depth to the jam, but you can leave it out if you like a more classic fig jam flavor.
Cinnamon
This is an optional ingredient, but it pairs nicely with figs. You can also experiment with other spices like star anise or ginger for a different flavor profile.
How to Make Fig Jam (Step-by-Step)
1. Prepare the Figs
Begin by preparing your figs. If using fresh figs, make sure to wash them properly and remove any stems. Cut the figs into quarters to help them break down during cooking. If you’re using dried figs, slice them into small pieces and soak them in warm water for about 10 minutes. This helps rehydrate the figs and makes them easier to boil down.
2. Mix Ingredients in a Saucepan
In a large saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, lemon juice, and water. If using dried figs, add a little extra water to help with the cooking process. Stir the liquid to dissolve the sugar before putting on the heat.
3. Simmer and Cook
Over medium heat, bring the fig mixture to a boil.. Stir it occasionally to prevent the sugar from burning. Once the mixture starts to bubble, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer. As the figs boil, they will begin to soften and release their natural sugars, thickening the mixture into a jam-like consistency.
4. Thicken the Jam
After around 30-40 minutes of simmering, the figs should break down entirely, and the jam should thicken. To test if it’s finished, use the back of a spoon to swipe through the mixture—if the jam retains its shape and doesn’t fill in the line, it’s done!
5. Add Final Touches
Stir in the vanilla extract and cinnamon for added flavor. If you want a smoother jam, you can combine it slightly with an immersion blender at this stage. For a chunkier texture, leave the jam as is.
6. Jar and Store
While the jam is still hot, carefully spoon it into sterilized jars. Seal the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature before keeping them in the fridge.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Figs: The ripeness of your figs will alter the flavor of the jam. The riper the figs, the sweeter and more flavorful your jam will be.
- Monitor the Heat: While simmering, keep the heat on low to avoid the jam from burning. Stir the ingredients occasionally to achieve even cooking.
- Test for Thickness: If you’re unclear if the jam has thickened enough, you can use the “cold plate test.” Place a small plate in the freezer before you start cooking. When the jam is nearly done, drop a tiny spoonful onto the cool dish and tilt it. If the jam runs slowly and thickens as it cools, it’s ready.
- Sanitize Jars: For extended storage, sanitize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This ensures that your jam remains fresh and free from bacteria.
Variations & Customizations
Dried Fig Jam Recipe
If using dried figs, follow the same directions, but soak the figs in warm water for about 10 minutes before cooking. This helps them soften and mix evenly into the jam.
Fig Jam with Honey
For a natural sweetness, you can replace part or all of the sugar with honey. Honey offers a rich, flowery flavor that pairs wonderfully with figs.
Spiced Fig Jam
For a more nuanced flavor, add spices like star anise, cinnamon, or ginger to the jam while it cooks. These spices will accentuate the warmth of the figs and make the jam appropriate for fall.
Whole Fig Jam Recipe
If you like larger bits of figs in your jam, simply slice the figs less finely and simmer the jam for a shorter period. This will leave you with a thick, more rustic texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storage
Homemade fig jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Be sure to keep it in an airtight jar to retain its freshness. For prolonged storage, utilize the water bath canning process to seal the jars properly.
Reheating
If your fig jam thickens too much over time, you can reheat it gently on the stove with a tablespoon of water to loosen it up.
Serving Suggestions
Fig jam is highly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- On Toast: Spread fig jam on freshly toasted bread or bagels for a sweet and satisfying breakfast.
- With Cheese: Fig jam pairs nicely with cheese, especially soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, or cream cheese. It also works great with sharp cheddar or blue cheese for a savory-sweet mix.
- As a Dessert Topping: Use fig jam to top ice cream, yogurt, or pancakes for a fresh touch on your traditional dessert.
- In Baking: Fig jam can be used as a filling for pastries, tarts, or cookies. It’s also great stirred into cakes or muffins.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make fig jam without sugar?
Yes, you can limit or eliminate sugar, but bear in mind that sugar works as a preservative, so the jam won’t last as long. You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup instead.
How can I thicken my fig jam if it’s too runny?
Continue cooking your jam over low heat until it reaches the right thickness if it’s too runny. As an alternative, you can help it set by adding a small amount of chia seeds or pectin.
How long does homemade fig jam last?
When stored in the refrigerator in a covered jar, homemade fig jam can last up to 2 months. If properly canned using the water bath process, it can last up to a year in the pantry.
Can I freeze fig jam?
Yes, you can freeze fig jam in airtight containers for up to 6 months. Just be sure to leave sufficient space at the top of the container for expansion when the jam freezes.
Conclusion
Homemade fig jam is a lovely and simple way to capture the sweet, rich flavor of figs in a jar. Whether you’re using fresh or dried figs, this versatile jam can be enjoyed in various ways—from spreading it over toast to incorporating it into your favorite sweets. With its straightforward preparation, natural ingredients, and adjustable possibilities, this fig jam recipe is likely to become a regular in your kitchen. So go ahead, get your ingredients, and start cooking—you’ll enjoy the outcome!