Simple Homemade Fig Jam with Honey & Lemon 🍯🍋🍇
1. Introduction
Discover the delightful world of homemade fig jam, a sweet and tangy spread that perfectly complements toasts, cheeses, and desserts. Making your own fig jam recipe is easier than you think, and with just a few simple ingredients like honey and lemon, you can create a flavorful preserve that captures the essence of ripe figs. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner, this honey lemon fig jam recipe is sure to impress your family and friends with its natural sweetness and vibrant aroma.
2. Ingredients for Homemade Fig Jam
- 1 pound fresh ripe figs, quartered
- ½ cup honey (preferably raw or organic)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of lemon extract (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup water (if needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Feel free to customize your fig jam recipe with additional spices like cinnamon or ginger for added depth.
3. Step-by-step Instructions for Making Fig Jam with Honey & Lemon
Preparation of Fresh Figs
Start by washing the fresh figs thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters. This helps them cook evenly and softens them for a better jam texture.
Cooking the Figs
Place the quartered figs in a medium saucepan. Add honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Simmering to Achieve the Perfect Consistency
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. If the jam becomes too thick, add a little water to loosen it up. Continue simmering until the figs break down and the jam thickens. For a smoother spread, you can mash the figs with the back of a spoon or use an immersion blender.
Finalizing and Storing Your Homemade Fig Jam
Once the jam reaches your desired consistency, remove it from heat. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator. This homemade fig jam will keep well for several weeks when stored properly.
4. Storage Tips for Your Fig Jam
Store your homemade fig jam in airtight containers or sterilized jars. Keep it refrigerated and consume within 3-4 weeks for the best flavor. For longer storage, consider canning your jam using proper sterilization methods. Always use clean utensils when serving to prevent spoilage.
5. Serving Suggestions for Honey Lemon Fig Jam
- Spread it generously on toasted bread or croissants for a sweet breakfast.
- Serve alongside cheeses like goat cheese or brie for an elegant appetizer.
- Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- Swirl into yogurt or ice cream for an extra fruity flavor.
- Pair with grilled meats for a sweet contrast, such as in this fried chicken recipe.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Homemade Fig Jam
Can I use dried figs instead of fresh?
Yes, but dried figs will require rehydration. Soak dried figs in warm water for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Adjust the sweetness and check for consistency as dried figs tend to be sweeter and more concentrated.
Is this fig jam suitable for vegan diets?
Absolutely! This fig jam recipe is naturally vegan since it uses honey as a sweetener, but you can substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup to make it vegan-friendly.
How long does homemade fig jam last?
When stored in sterilized jars in the refrigerator, your honey lemon fig jam should last up to 3-4 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning or freezing.
Can I make this fig jam without lemon?
Yes, you can omit the lemon, but lemon zest and juice help enhance the natural flavors and act as preservatives. For a milder taste, you can replace lemon with lime or orange zest.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- A good-quality saucepan — Essential for evenly cooking your fig jam recipe and preventing burning.
- Sterilized jars and lids — Perfect for storing your homemade jam safely.
- Canning kit — Handy if you want to preserve larger batches for longer periods.
- Immersion blender — Makes smoothing your fig jam effortless for a velvety texture.
Investing in these tools can streamline your jam-making process and ensure great results every time.
8. Inspiration for Variations of Honey Lemon Fig Jam
Try adding a dash of cinnamon or a pinch of ginger during simmering for a spiced twist. You can also infuse your fig jam recipe with herbs like thyme or rosemary for a savory touch. For a flavor boost, incorporate vanilla extract or a splash of balsamic vinegar.
9. Conclusion
Making homemade fig jam with honey and lemon is a simple yet rewarding process that yields a delicious spread perfect for many dishes. Its vibrant flavors and natural sweetness make it a versatile addition to your pantry. Whether you enjoy it on toast, as a cheese accompaniment, or as a topping for desserts, this fig jam recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy crafting your own batch and savor the fresh, fruity taste of homemade goodness!
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Simple Homemade Fig Jam with Honey & Lemon
Discover the delightful world of homemade fig jam with honey and lemon, a sweet and tangy spread perfect for toasts, cheeses, and desserts. This simple recipe captures the natural sweetness of ripe figs enhanced with honey and fresh lemon, creating a versatile and flavorful preserve. Ideal for gifting, breakfast, or adding a special touch to your dishes, this homemade fig jam is easy to make and guaranteed to impress.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: about 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh ripe figs, quartered
- ½ cup honey (preferably raw or organic)
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon of lemon extract (optional for extra flavor)
- ¼ cup water (if needed for consistency)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Start by washing the fresh figs thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters.
- Place the quartered figs in a medium saucepan. Add honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring frequently. Add water if the jam becomes too thick.
- For a smoother texture, mash the figs with the back of a spoon or blend with an immersion blender.
- Once the desired consistency is reached, remove from heat. Pour hot jam into sterilized jars and seal tightly.
- Allow the jars to cool completely before storing in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more honey if desired.
- For a spiced variation, add cinnamon or ginger during simmering.
- Ensure jars are properly sterilized for longer shelf life.
- This jam can be canned for extended storage.
- Use clean utensils to prevent spoilage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Simmering, Sterilizing, Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 40 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
