Fig Jam Recipe – Sweet Homemade Preserve with Fresh Citrus

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Homemade fig jam in a glass jar with fresh figs and bread.

This delicious fig jam captures the natural sweetness of fresh figs enhanced with bright citrus notes, creating a perfect spread for bread, pastries, or cheese platters. With its chunky texture and rich flavor, this homemade preserve brings Mediterranean sunshine to your pantry year-round.

Ingredients

  • 600g fresh figs / 21 oz fresh figs (about 12-15 medium figs)
  • 300g sugar / 10.6 oz granulated sugar (1½ cups)
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice / 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp lemon zest / 1 tbsp fresh lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Prepare figs: Wash figs thoroughly under cool water and remove stems completely using a sharp knife.
  2. Cut figs: Slice each fig into 2-4 pieces depending on size, keeping pieces relatively uniform for even cooking.
  3. Combine ingredients: Place fig pieces in a heavy-bottomed saucepan or preserving pan.
  4. Add seasonings: Add sugar, fresh lemon zest, and lemon juice to the figs, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Begin cooking: Set pan over medium-high heat and bring mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
  6. Simmer jam: Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring frequently, until mixture reaches medium thickness, approximately 25 minutes.
  7. Mash figs: Using a wooden spoon or potato masher, gently break up fig pieces to achieve desired chunky consistency.
  8. Adjust texture: Remove from heat and partially blend or mash for preferred texture – leave chunky or make smoother as desired.
  9. Final cooking: Return pan to heat and bring to a boil once more to ensure proper consistency and preservation.
  10. Fill jars: Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace, and seal with sterilized lids.
  11. Cool properly: Invert sealed jars on a clean towel and let cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Processing Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 3-4 half-pint jars

Nutrition (per tablespoon): Approximately 35 calories, 0g protein, 9g carbs, 0g fat, 1g fiber

Why Fig Jam Is Nutritious

Fig jam provides natural fiber that supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. Fresh figs are rich in potassium, which supports heart health and blood pressure regulation, while also containing calcium and magnesium for bone health. The addition of lemon juice provides vitamin C and natural citric acid that aids in iron absorption. Figs also contain antioxidants and polyphenols that may help reduce inflammation. This homemade jam contains no artificial preservatives or additives, making it a healthier alternative to commercial spreads while providing natural fruit sugars for sustained energy.

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