Homemade Fig Jam: A Sweet and Tangy Delight
Fig jam is a delightful and versatile preserve that captures the rich, honeyed sweetness of ripe figs with the bright, tangy notes of citrus. Whether you’re spreading it on a warm slice of toast, pairing it with cheese and charcuterie, or giving it as a thoughtful homemade gift, fig jam is a simple yet luxurious treat. This recipe, adapted from Jenn Segal and Food & Wine, takes just under an hour to make and yields about 3½ cups of beautifully jammy goodness.
Why Make Fig Jam at Home?
Homemade fig jam allows you to control the sweetness and flavor balance, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about turning fresh, ripe figs into a rich, spreadable preserve. This jam is perfect for late summer and early fall when figs are in season, bursting with flavor, and readily available at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. The combination of figs, sugar, lemon juice, and citrus peel creates a jam that’s both sweet and slightly tart, with a deep, complex flavor that enhances everything it touches.
Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful
Fresh Figs (2 pounds, stemmed and diced)
The star of the show, fresh figs provide the base for this jam. Look for ripe figs that are soft to the touch and have a rich, sweet aroma. Black Mission or Brown Turkey figs are ideal for this recipe due to their sweet flavor and soft texture. Stem and dice the figs to prepare them for cooking, ensuring they’re ready to release their natural sugars and pectin during the simmering process.
Sugar (1½ cups)
Sugar plays a crucial role in the jam-making process. It helps to preserve the figs, enhances their natural sweetness, and works with the fruit’s pectin to achieve the desired jammy consistency. The amount of sugar in this recipe is balanced to complement the figs without overwhelming their delicate flavor.
Fresh Lemon Juice (¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons)
Lemon juice adds acidity, which is essential for balancing the sweetness of the figs and sugar. It also helps to set the jam by working with the natural pectin in the figs. The fresh, tangy flavor of lemon juice brightens the jam and prevents it from becoming overly sweet.
Water (½ cup)
A small amount of water is added to the jam to help dissolve the sugar and prevent the figs from sticking to the bottom of the pan as they cook down. It also aids in achieving the perfect consistency for the jam.
Citrus Peel (4 one-inch-thick strips, either orange, lemon, or a combination)
Citrus peel infuses the jam with a subtle, aromatic flavor that complements the figs and adds complexity to the jam. Be sure to avoid the white pith, which can impart a bitter taste. The citrus peel is removed before jarring the jam, leaving behind a beautifully nuanced flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Fig Jam
1. Prepare the Ingredients
Begin by washing the figs under cool water. Remove the stems and dice the figs into small pieces. This will help them break down more easily during cooking, creating a smoother jam. Measure out the sugar, lemon juice, and water, and peel the citrus using a vegetable peeler, making sure to avoid the bitter white pith.
2. Combine and Cook
In a large, nonreactive saucepan (such as stainless steel or enamel-coated), combine the diced figs, sugar, lemon juice, water, and citrus peels. Stir the mixture to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to dissolve the sugar completely. The figs will begin to release their juices, creating a fragrant, syrupy mixture.
3. Simmer and Mash
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer gently. Stir the jam occasionally and use a wooden spoon or potato masher to break down the figs as they soften. The goal is to achieve a thick, spreadable consistency with some small chunks of fruit remaining for texture. This process typically takes 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the figs and the heat of your stove.
4. Test for Doneness
To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it thickens and holds its shape when you run your finger through it, the jam is done. If it’s still too runny, continue simmering for a few more minutes and test again. Once the desired consistency is reached, remove the saucepan from the heat.
5. Remove the Citrus Peels
Carefully remove and discard the citrus peels from the jam. They will have imparted their flavor and aroma to the jam, but you don’t want them in the final product.
6. Jar the Jam
Spoon the hot jam into three clean 10-ounce jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the jam cools. Be sure to use jars that have been sterilized to prevent any contamination. Close the jars with lids and let them cool to room temperature. As the jam cools, it will continue to thicken slightly.
7. Store and Enjoy
Once cooled, store the fig jam in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to 3 months. The jam can also be processed in a water bath for longer shelf life if desired. Enjoy your homemade fig jam on toast, as a topping for yogurt or ice cream, paired with cheese and charcuterie, or as a flavorful addition to sauces and glazes.
Tips for Success
- Use Ripe Figs: The riper the figs, the sweeter and more flavorful your jam will be. Avoid figs that are overly soft or moldy.
- Don’t Skip the Citrus: The citrus peel adds a wonderful depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the figs with a hint of brightness.
- Monitor the Consistency: Jam thickens as it cools, so be sure not to overcook it. The chilled plate test is a reliable way to check for doneness.
- Sterilize Your Jars: If you plan to store the jam for an extended period, sterilize the jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes before filling them with jam.
Serving Suggestions
- With Cheese: Fig jam pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, from creamy Brie and tangy goat cheese to sharp Cheddar and nutty Parmesan. It’s a perfect addition to any cheese board.
- On Bread: Spread fig jam on toast, scones, or biscuits for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or snack.
- As a Glaze: Use fig jam as a glaze for roasted meats, such as pork or chicken, for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
- In Desserts: Incorporate fig jam into your favorite desserts, such as thumbprint cookies, tarts, or layered cakes, for a rich, fruity filling.
Conclusion
Homemade Fig Jam is a versatile and delicious treat that captures the essence of ripe figs and bright citrus in every spoonful. Whether you’re an experienced jam maker or new to preserving, this recipe is straightforward and yields a jam that’s sure to impress. With its rich flavor and beautiful texture, fig jam is perfect for enjoying on its own or as part of a more elaborate dish. So gather your figs, get your jars ready, and enjoy the process of making this delightful homemade jam.