This Southern Fig Jam is a sweet and fruity treat that’s perfect for spreading on toast or biscuits. Made with fresh figs, sugar, and a splash of lemon juice, it’s simple to whip up.
You’ll love how the kitchen smells while it’s cooking! I sometimes enjoy it with cream cheese on crackers for a tasty snack—so good, you might want to make extra! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Figs: Fresh ripe figs are essential for this jam. If you can’t find fresh figs, dried figs can work too; just soak them in water for a few hours to soften. However, fresh figs will give you the best texture and flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is the classic choice, but you can use brown sugar for deeper flavor or even honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener. Just remember that these alternatives may change the texture slightly!
Lemon Juice & Zest: Fresh lemon juice brightens the jam and balance the sweetness. If you’re out of fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice will work as a substitute. Just use about 2 tablespoons instead.
Cinnamon: This is optional, but it adds a warm spice note to the jam. If you’re not a fan of cinnamon, feel free to leave it out or swap it with nutmeg or allspice for a different twist.
How Do I Make Sure My Fig Jam Thickens Properly?
Getting the right thickness for your fig jam is important and can be a bit tricky. The key here is to simmer it long enough and watch for signs of gelling.
- Make sure to stir occasionally to avoid burning the bottom. It’s worth keeping an eye on it!
- Check for thickness after about 45 minutes. If you place a spoonful on a chilled plate and it gels up after a minute, you’re good to go!
- If it’s still thin, keep simmering and testing every few minutes.
Patience is key in this step, but your efforts will pay off with a deliciously thick and sweet fig jam! Enjoy spreading it on your favorite treats.
How to Make Southern Fig Jam
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Jam:
- 2 pounds fresh ripe figs, stemmed and quartered
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 45-60 minutes to cook, plus cooling time. In total, you’re looking at about an hour and a half to two hours to make your Southern Fig Jam, including setting time in the jars.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Figs:
Start by washing the figs carefully under cool running water. Once clean, remove the stems and cut each fig into quarters. This will help them cook down more evenly in the jam.
2. Combine Ingredients:
In a large saucepan, place the quartered figs, granulated sugar, fresh lemon juice, grated lemon zest, ground cinnamon (if you’re using it), salt, and water. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Heat the Mixture:
Turn the heat to medium and gently stir the mixture until the sugar is fully dissolved. You want it to be smooth and blended before moving on to the next step.
4. Bring to a Boil:
Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil. Then, reduce the heat back to low. This will allow the jam to simmer gently.
5. Simmer to Thicken:
Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 45 to 60 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan. As it cooks, it will thicken beautifully!
6. Check for Doneness:
To see if your jam is ready, drop a small spoonful onto a chilled plate and let it sit for a minute. If it gels and doesn’t run when you tilt the plate, it’s perfect!
7. Cool the Jam:
Once your jam has reached the right consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly in the pan before pouring it into jars.
8. Jar the Jam:
Transfer the warm jam into sterilized jars. Seal them tight and allow them to cool to room temperature. This step helps create a vacuum seal, preserving your jam.
9. Storage Options:
Store your fig jam in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you want to keep it longer, process the jars in a water bath to store them safely at room temperature.
Now you can enjoy your delicious Southern Fig Jam! Spread it on warm biscuits, toast, or use it as a delightful addition to cheese platters. It’s sure to be a hit! Enjoy! 🍇
FAQ about Southern Fig Jam
Can I use frozen figs for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen figs! Just make sure they are fully thawed and well-drained before using them in the jam. This will help maintain the right consistency and prevent excess moisture.
How can I adjust the sweetness of my fig jam?
If you find the jam too sweet for your taste, you can reduce the sugar to 1.5 cups instead of 2. Keep in mind that the sugar not only sweetens but also helps with preserving the jam, so adjust cautiously!
What’s the best way to store my fig jam?
Store your fig jam in airtight, sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. If you’d like to keep it longer, process the jars in a water bath canner for proper sealing, allowing for storage at room temperature.
Can I add other flavors to this fig jam?
Absolutely! Feel free to add spices like nutmeg or cardamom for a twist. You can also mix in a splash of vanilla extract or even some chopped walnuts for extra texture and flavor!
