Easy Fig Jam

EASY FIG JAM

You will need:figjam

  • 3 pounds fresh figs, washed, stems removed
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (I like to use super fine sugar)
  • Juice and finely grated zest of 1 lemon

In a large saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, and lemon juice and zest.

Bring to a simmer over medium low heat, stirring constantly. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Remove the cover and continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. When the mixture gets quite thick, begin to stir constantly to keep from scorching.

To see if it’s jam-ready, test a small amount on a cold saucer. I will put the saucer in the freezer for a few minutes, put a little jam on it, then return to the freezer for 1 minute. When the surface of the fruit mixture will wrinkle slightly when pushed with a finger, your jam is ready!

While figs are cooking, prepare the jars and lids. Put the glass jars in a boiling water in a large stock pot or canner that’s about half-filled with water. Bring water to a boil; reduce heat and keep jars in the water.

Put water in a separate saucepan and bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low and add the jar lids. Keep in the hot water until ready to use. Do not boil. (You will want the jars to be warm when you fill them.)

Fill the jars with the hot fig jam – do not fill to the brim – leave 1/2-inch space. Wipe jar rims and threads with a wet paper towel. Careful, the jar lids will be hot. Place the lids on jars using tongs, or a jar magnet, then screw on the rings.

Place on a rack in the hot water in your large pot. Lower into the water and add enough hot or boiling water to bring the water level to 1 to 2 inches above the jars. Bring to a boil jars for 10 minutes, this will make a nice firm seal on your jars.

Makes 4 half-pint jars.  Enjoy!

This is how I use fig jam –

On toast or crackers, mixed in with plain, vanilla or honey greek yogurt, on to of a wheel of brie cheese. Spread it on pancakes, waffles, crepes or put a drop in as a filling in your muffins before baking for a nice filling. Also, try a grilled cheese sandwich with any soft cheese and your homemade fig jam – amazing!

Don’t forget to make extra, homemade jam is always a welcome gift!