There’s something incredibly satisfying about making your own jam, especially when it involves fresh, juicy figs.

If you’ve ever bitten into a perfectly ripe fig, you know how sweet and luscious they can be.

Making homemade fig jam is not only easy but also a wonderful way to preserve the flavors of summer for the colder months ahead!

Why Fig Jam?

Figs are a unique fruit that offer a rich, sweet flavor and a delightful texture. They’re often enjoyed fresh, but when transformed into jam, they take on a whole new life. Fig jam pairs beautifully with cheese, enhances savory dishes, and can even be used in baking.

Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up an abundance of figs if you happen to have a tree in your backyard or find them at your local farmer’s market.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ripe figs, stemmed and diced

• 1½ cups sugar

• ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

• ½ cup water

• 4 strips of orange or lemon peel (about one inch thick)

Instructions:

1. Prep Your Figs: Start by washing your figs thoroughly. Remove the stems and chop them into small pieces. The size of the pieces will determine how chunky or smooth your jam will be.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix the chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, water, and citrus peels. The acidity from the lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps with preservation.

3. Cook It Down: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 35 to 45 minutes. Stir occasionally and mash some of the figs with a fork to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Finish Up: After cooking, remove the citrus peels and pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Seal them up and let them cool to room temperature.

Enjoying Your Fig Jam

Once cooled, your fig jam is ready to be enjoyed! Spread it on toast for breakfast, pair it with cheese for an elegant appetizer, or use it as a glaze for meat like chicken. The possibilities are endless!Making homemade fig jam is not just about preserving fruit; it’s about creating something special that brings joy to your table. So gather those figs and get cooking—you won’t regret it!