The Best Easy Fig Jam

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When fresh figs are in season, there’s nothing quite like homemade fig jam. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious spread that’s bursting with rich, fruity flavor. This easy fig jam recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the combination of sweet and tangy tastes, and it requires minimal effort. It’s perfect on toast, paired with cheese, or used in desserts.

Sweet and Simple Homemade Fig Jam

Fig jam may sound fancy, but it’s actually quite simple to make at home. With fresh figs, sugar, lemon, and vanilla, this recipe delivers a perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of acidity from the lemon. The vanilla adds depth, while the figs themselves give the jam its naturally luscious texture.

Even better, this jam comes together in under an hour, and you don’t need any special equipment—just a saucepan and a couple of jars. It’s fresh, fruity, and will keep for weeks in the refrigerator, ready to brighten up any snack or meal!

This easy fig jam recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients for Easy Fig Jam

Here’s a breakdown of the simple ingredients that come together to create this flavorful, homemade fig jam:

• Fresh Figs – The star of the show! You’ll need about 2 pounds of fresh figs, cut into quarters with stems removed. Make sure they’re ripe and soft for the best results.
• Granulated Sugar – 1 cup of granulated sugar helps preserve the figs and brings out their natural sweetness.
• Lemon Juice – The juice of one lemon adds a bit of acidity that brightens up the jam and balances the sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract – Just 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract provides a lovely, warm undertone that complements the figs beautifully.
• Water – 1/4 cup of water helps the jam reach the right consistency while simmering.

How to Make Fig Jam at Home

Making fig jam at home is surprisingly easy, even if you’ve never made jam before. Follow these simple steps for perfect results every time:

1. Prep the figs – Start by removing the stems from the figs and cutting them into quarters. This will help them break down more easily as they cook.
2. Mix the ingredients – In a medium saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together to ensure the figs are well coated with the sugar mixture.
3. Dissolve the sugar – Cook the fig mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently. This will help the sugar dissolve and the figs start to release their juices.
4. Simmer the jam – Once the sugar has dissolved and the figs are juicy, reduce the heat to low and add 1/4 cup of water. Simmer the mixture for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the figs have softened and the juices begin to thicken.
5. Jar the jam – Once your jam has reached the desired consistency, turn off the heat and spoon it into two pint-sized jars. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the jar to prevent any mess.
6. Cool and store – Close the jars tightly and allow the fig jam to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator. The jam will last up to 2 months, ready for you to enjoy anytime!

This simple process gives you a fresh, homemade fig jam that you can use in so many ways, from breakfast to desserts!

How Long to Cook Fig Jam

Cooking fig jam is a straightforward process, but achieving the perfect consistency requires some attention to timing and temperature. Here’s what you need to know:

• Initial Cooking Time: Start by cooking the figs, sugar, lemon, and vanilla over medium heat. Stir frequently, and allow the sugar to dissolve completely while the figs release their juices. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
• Simmering Time: Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat to low, and add the water. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes. During this time, the figs will break down, and the juices will begin to thicken. Stir occasionally to prevent the jam from sticking to the pan.
• Check the Consistency: After 20 minutes of simmering, check the consistency of the jam. If it’s thick and the fruit is soft, your jam is ready. If you prefer a thicker jam, you can continue to cook it for a few more minutes.

How to Store Fig Jam

Once your fig jam is ready, here’s how to store it to keep it fresh for as long as possible:

• In the Fridge: Fig jam will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in clean, airtight jars.
• Freezing: If you want to store the jam for a longer period, you can freeze it. To do this, transfer the cooled jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Fig jam can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using it.

Cooking Tips

• Watch the Heat: When simmering the jam, make sure to keep the heat low. This prevents burning and allows the flavors to develop slowly.
• Test for Thickness: If you’re unsure whether the jam is thick enough, you can spoon a small amount onto a plate and let it cool. If it sets and doesn’t run, your jam is ready. If it’s too runny, continue simmering.
• Stir Frequently: To prevent the jam from sticking or burning, stir it every few minutes, especially toward the end when the mixture thickens.

By following these simple guidelines, you’ll end up with a perfectly thick, flavorful fig jam that’s ready to enjoy anytime!

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