Fig Jam Recipe

Fig Jam: A Delicious and Versatile Homemade Treat

This Fig Jam recipe by Jenn Segal, adapted from Food & Wine, is a delightful way to preserve the rich, sweet flavor of ripe figs. Whether you’re spreading it on warm toast, pairing it with cheese, or gifting it to friends, this homemade jam is simple to make and full of natural fruit flavor.

Ingredients: A Balanced Blend of Sweetness and Citrus

• Ripe Figs (2 pounds, stemmed and diced): Figs are naturally sweet and rich, making them ideal for jam. Choose figs that are soft and ripe for the best flavor.
• Sugar (1½ cups): Helps preserve the figs and enhances their natural sweetness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons): Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances the sweetness of the figs and helps to thicken the jam.
• Water (½ cup): Provides the necessary moisture to cook the figs down into a jam.
• Orange or Lemon Peel (4 one-inch-thick strips): The peel adds a subtle citrus flavor and aroma to the jam. Be sure to avoid the white pith, which can impart bitterness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

Start by washing the figs thoroughly under cold water. Stem and dice the figs into small pieces. Measure out the sugar, lemon juice, water, and prepare the citrus peel strips, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.

2. Cook the Jam

In a large, nonreactive saucepan (such as stainless steel or enamel), combine the diced figs, sugar, lemon juice, water, and citrus peel strips. Stir the mixture well to ensure the sugar dissolves.

3. Bring to a Boil

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the sugar dissolves completely.

4. Simmer and Mash

Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer. Stir the jam occasionally, using a spoon or potato masher to break down the fig pieces as they soften. Continue simmering until the fruit is very soft and the mixture has thickened to a jam-like consistency, about 35 to 45 minutes.

5. Remove the Citrus Peel

After the jam has thickened, carefully remove and discard the citrus peel strips. They will have infused the jam with a subtle citrus flavor.

6. Jar the Jam

Spoon the hot jam into three clean, sterilized 10-ounce jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. This headspace is important for proper sealing. Once filled, close the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature.

7. Store the Jam

Once the jars have cooled, store them in the refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 3 months. For longer storage, consider using a water bath canning method to seal the jars.

Serving Suggestions

Fig Jam is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

• With Bread: Spread the jam on toast, English muffins, or scones for a sweet start to your day.
• Cheese Pairing: Serve fig jam with a cheese board, pairing it with soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, or sharper cheeses like aged Gouda or blue cheese.
• As a Glaze: Use the jam as a glaze for roasted meats, such as pork or chicken, for a sweet and savory flavor.
• In Desserts: Incorporate the jam into baked goods, such as thumbprint cookies, or swirl it into yogurt or oatmeal.
• Gift Idea: Homemade fig jam makes a thoughtful and delicious gift. Decorate the jars with a ribbon and a label for a personal touch.

Tips and Variations

1. Choosing Figs: Use the ripest figs you can find, as they will yield the sweetest and most flavorful jam. Black Mission figs, Kadota, or Adriatic figs all work well.
2. Adjusting Sweetness: If your figs are particularly sweet, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Taste the jam as it cooks and adjust as needed.
3. Adding Spices: For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground cardamom to the jam as it simmers.
4. Water Bath Canning: If you want to store the jam for longer than 3 months or at room temperature, use a water bath canning method to properly seal the jars.

Storing and Preserving Your Fig Jam

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality and flavor of your homemade fig jam. Here are some tips for storing and preserving the jam so that you can enjoy it for months to come.

1. Refrigeration

Once the jam has been made and jarred, allow it to cool to room temperature. After cooling, store the jars in the refrigerator. The jam will keep for up to 3 months when stored in this way. Always use a clean spoon when serving to prevent contamination and prolong the shelf life of the jam.

2. Freezing

If you have more jam than you can use within 3 months, you can freeze it for longer storage. Here’s how:

• Freezing in Jars: Ensure that the jars you use are freezer-safe and leave some headspace (about ½ inch) at the top to allow the jam to expand as it freezes. Close the lids tightly and place the jars in the freezer. The jam can be stored for up to 1 year.
• Thawing: To use frozen jam, simply transfer a jar to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. Stir well before serving.

3. Canning (Water Bath Method)

For long-term storage at room temperature, you can use the water bath canning method to properly seal the jars. This process involves heating the filled jars in boiling water to kill any bacteria and create a vacuum seal. Here’s a basic guide:

• Prepare the Canning Equipment: You’ll need a large pot with a lid, a rack to fit inside the pot, a jar lifter, and clean, sterilized canning jars with lids and bands.
• Fill the Jars: Pour the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until just finger-tight.
• Process the Jars: Place the jars in the boiling water bath, ensuring they are fully submerged with at least 1 inch of water covering the tops. Boil for 10-15 minutes, depending on your altitude (longer processing times are needed at higher altitudes).
• Cool and Store: Carefully remove the jars using the jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool completely. As the jars cool, you should hear the lids “pop,” indicating that they have sealed. Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.

Creative Uses for Fig Jam

While fig jam is delicious on toast or with cheese, there are many other ways to incorporate it into your cooking:

1. Glaze for Meats

Fig jam makes an excellent glaze for roasted or grilled meats. Brush it onto pork chops, chicken, or even salmon during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet, caramelized finish. You can also mix the jam with a bit of balsamic vinegar or Dijon mustard to add complexity to the glaze.

2. Fig Jam Tart

Create a simple yet elegant dessert by using fig jam as the filling for a tart. Spread the jam over a pre-baked tart shell and top with fresh fruit, nuts, or a crumble topping. Bake until the tart is golden and the filling is bubbly.

3. Stuffed French Toast

Elevate your breakfast by spreading fig jam between slices of thick bread to make stuffed French toast. Dip the sandwich in an egg mixture and cook on a griddle until golden brown. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of maple syrup.

4. Savory Fig Jam Pizza

Use fig jam as the base sauce for a gourmet pizza. Top with prosciutto, arugula, goat cheese, and caramelized onions for a sweet and savory combination that’s sure to impress.

5. Fig Jam and Brie Grilled Cheese

Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level by adding a layer of fig jam and slices of Brie cheese. The sweetness of the jam pairs beautifully with the creamy, melty Brie, creating a decadent and satisfying sandwich.

Customizing Your Fig Jam

This fig jam recipe is versatile, and you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or experiment with new flavors:

1. Spiced Fig Jam

Add warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or star anise to the jam as it simmers. These spices will infuse the jam with a cozy, aromatic flavor that’s perfect for fall.

2. Fig and Ginger Jam

For a bit of zing, add freshly grated ginger to the jam. Ginger pairs wonderfully with figs and adds a spicy note that contrasts nicely with the sweetness.

3. Fig and Balsamic Jam

A splash of balsamic vinegar added towards the end of cooking can give the jam a sophisticated, tangy flavor. This variation is particularly good when served with cheeses or as a glaze for meats.

4. Honey-Sweetened Fig Jam

Replace some or all of the sugar with honey for a different kind of sweetness. Honey adds a floral, rich note to the jam that complements the figs beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Fig Jam is a delightful and easy way to capture the essence of ripe figs and enjoy their flavor long after the season has passed. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can create a versatile and delicious jam that enhances a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re making it for yourself or as a gift, this fig jam is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the rich, sweet, and slightly tangy taste of homemade fig jam on everything from breakfast toast to elegant cheese boards!