French fig jam is a versatile and delicious addition to a variety of dishes. It pairs wonderfully with a cheese platter, especially with creamy Brie or tangy goat cheese, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.
Spread it on freshly toasted bread or croissants for a sweet breakfast treat, or serve it alongside roasted meats like chicken or pork to enhance their savory richness.
For a sweet touch, use fig jam as a filling for pastries or drizzle it over vanilla ice cream to create a luxurious dessert experience.
Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite recipes: French Fig Jam. This recipe holds a special place in my heart as it brings back sweet memories of visiting local French markets with my grandmother, tasting fresh figs, and savoring every moment.
Whether you’re a jam aficionado or a newbie, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step, ensuring a delicious outcome every time.
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Why This Recipe Works
Simple yet Classic Ingredients: This jam brings together classic ingredients that are easy to find. The combination of figs, raw cane sugar, cinnamon, orange zest, and lemon juice creates a natural, refined flavor.
Minimal Prep Time: You don’t need to slave away in the kitchen for hours. With just a few steps and ingredients, this jam comes to life quickly, allowing you to enjoy it sooner rather than later.
Uncomplicated Cooking Process: Say goodbye to complicated techniques. The straightforward cooking process makes it accessible to even the most novice of cooks.
Versatile Use: This fig jam isn’t just for toast. Its fruity, sweet flavor complements a variety of foods—from cheese platters to roasted meats—making it ridiculously useful to have on hand.
How Does It Taste?
Imagine biting into a ripe, juicy fig on a late-summer afternoon. This French fig jam captures that essence with a rich, concentrated sweetness punctuated by subtle hints of citrus and cinnamon. It’s a symphony of balanced flavors—sweet yet slightly tart, with an underlying warmth from the cinnamon stick.
What Sets This Recipe Apart?
What makes this recipe stand out among other French fig jam variations? For one, the use of raw cane sugar brings a depth of flavor you won’t find in jams using regular white sugar.
Additionally, the inclusion of orange zest lends a fragrant citrus aroma that pairs wonderfully with the natural sweetness of the figs. The cinnamon stick adds a touch of warmth, ensuring this is a jam you will want to spread on everything.
Lastly, the simplicity and quick preparation make it accessible for everyone, from busy parents to budding chefs.
Ingredients
- 300 g (11oz) raw cane sugar or unrefined golden sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest and juice of 1 organic orange
- 1 kg (2¼lb) ripe, juicy figs (preferably black mission or Turkish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Steps to cook
Step 1: Prepare the Figs
- Wash the figs thoroughly under cool running water.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Remove the stems and quarter them.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large saucepan, combine the quartered figs, raw cane sugar, cinnamon stick, orange zest, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients well.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Bubble Away
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- You’ll know it’s ready when it has thickened and achieved a jam-like consistency.
Step 5: Sterilize the Jars
- While the jam is cooking, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Dry them carefully on a clean towel.
Step 6: Pour and Seal
- Using a ladle, pour the hot fig jam into the sterilized jars.
- Seal them immediately with sterilized lids.
- Let them cool at room temperature.
Notes
- Taste as you go: Always taste your jam as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too sweet, a dash more lemon juice can balance it out.
- Consistency check: To check if your jam has set, place a small amount on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready.
- Jar Sterilization: This is crucial for preventing bacteria and mold. Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked jam can turn into a tough, chewy paste. Keep an eye on it, especially during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Cool correctly: Let the jam cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or pantry.
Nutrition Information
How Do You Store This French Fig Jam?
Once cooled, store your sealed jars of fig jam in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. Unopened, they can last up to a year. After opening, keep the jam refrigerated and consume within three weeks.
Sides for French Fig Jam
Brie and Crusty Bread: Nothing beats a spread of fig jam with creamy Brie on a slice of warm, crusty bread. It’s pure indulgence.
Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Add a layer of fig jam in your grilled cheese sandwich for a creative twist that kids and adults will love.
Yogurt and Granola: Swirl some fig jam into Greek yogurt and top with granola for a wholesome breakfast or snack.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if They Are Not Present in Your Kitchen?
Sugar Alternatives: If you don’t have raw cane sugar, you can use brown sugar or honey. However, these will slightly alter the taste.
Figs: If fresh figs are unavailable, dried figs can be used. Just soak them in warm water for about 30 minutes before using.
Cinnamon Stick: Ground cinnamon can be used in place of a cinnamon stick. A half teaspoon should suffice.
Citrus: If you don’t have an organic orange, you can use a lemon or lime. The citrus zest and juice mainly provide acidity and aroma, so either works fine.
Equipment
- large saucepan
- Clean towel
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 300 g 11oz raw cane sugar or unrefined golden sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Zest and juice of 1 organic orange
- 1 kg 2¼lb ripe, juicy figs (preferably black mission or Turkish)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Figs
- Wash the figs thoroughly under cool running water.
- Pat them dry with a clean towel.
- Remove the stems and quarter them.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- In a large saucepan, combine the quartered figs, raw cane sugar, cinnamon stick, orange zest, orange juice, and lemon juice.
- Stir gently to mix the ingredients well.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
- Place the saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir continuously until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Bubble Away
- Allow the mixture to simmer for about 45 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- You’ll know it’s ready when it has thickened and achieved a jam-like consistency.
Step 5: Sterilize the Jars
- While the jam is cooking, sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes.
- Dry them carefully on a clean towel.
Step 6: Pour and Seal
- Using a ladle, pour the hot fig jam into the sterilized jars.
- Seal them immediately with sterilized lids.
- Let them cool at room temperature.
Notes
- Taste as you go: Always taste your jam as it cooks. If it’s too tart, add a bit more sugar. If it’s too sweet, a dash more lemon juice can balance it out.
- Consistency check: To check if your jam has set, place a small amount on a cold plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it’s ready.
- Jar Sterilization: This is crucial for preventing bacteria and mold. Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked jam can turn into a tough, chewy paste. Keep an eye on it, especially during the final 10 minutes of cooking.
- Cool correctly: Let the jam cool completely before storing it in the refrigerator or pantry.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use this jam in baking recipes?
Absolutely! French fig jam can be used as a filling for tarts, cookies, and other baked goods. It adds a sweet, fruity layer that complements pastries wonderfully.
2. Is it necessary to use organic fruits?
While organic fruits are often recommended due to fewer pesticides, it’s not mandatory. Washing your fruits thoroughly should suffice if organic isn’t available.
3. How can I ensure my jam sets well?
The key is to monitor the temperature and consistency closely. Using a candy thermometer can help. The jam should reach 220°F (105°C) to set properly.
4. Can I make fig jam without added sugar?
Yes, you can experiment with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar. However, keep in mind that sugar also acts as a preservative, so the shelf life may be shorter.
Conclusion
There you have it folks—my cherished French Fig Jam recipe. Perfectly sweet, slightly tart, with a hint of spice, this jam is bound to brighten your breakfast and elevate your cheese boards. Whether preserving summer’s bounty or enjoying a taste of France, this fig jam is a little jar of sunshine. So, grab those figs and let’s get cooking!