Description
Jamie Oliver’s fig jam delivers Mediterranean sweetness in a single spoonful. Rich seasonal figs caramelize with sugar and lemon, creating a luxurious spread perfect for morning toast or elegant cheese pairings you’ll savor.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) green or purple figs, stemmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
Sugar:
- 1 ½ cups (300 grams) sugar
Liquid Ingredients:
- ¼ cup plus 2 tablespoons (90 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) water
Instructions
- Combine chopped figs and granulated sugar in a large, nonreactive saucepan, allowing them to macerate for approximately 15 minutes. Gently stir occasionally, observing as the sugar gradually dissolves and releases moisture from the figs.
- Pour water and freshly squeezed lemon juice into the saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Continuously whisk to ensure complete sugar dissolution and prevent any crystallization.
- Reduce heat to medium and simmer the fig mixture, stirring intermittently. Monitor the consistency carefully, cooking until the figs become tender and the liquid transforms into a thick, syrupy texture that slowly drips from a spoon (approximately 20 to 25 minutes).
- Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully ladle the hot fig jam into sterilized 8-ounce (1/2-pint) glass jars, maintaining a 6-millimeter (1/4-inch) headspace at the top to allow for proper sealing and expansion.
- Allow the filled jars to cool completely at room temperature, then secure the lids tightly. Refrigerate the fig jam, which will maintain optimal flavor and quality for up to 3 months when stored properly.
Notes
- Prioritize selecting plump, vibrant figs bursting with natural sweetness and deep color.
- Gently press figs to ensure they yield slightly without being mushy or overly soft.
- Carefully remove any stems or blemishes before slicing or chopping for uniform jam consistency.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice to balance sweetness and help natural pectin activate during cooking.
- Stir consistently while heating to prevent burning and encourage even sugar dissolution.
- Watch for jam thickening by using the cold plate test or tracking temperature around 220°F.
- Clean jars thoroughly with hot water and sterilize to maintain preservation quality.
- Cool jam completely before sealing to prevent condensation and potential bacterial growth.
- Store sealed jars in cool, dark spaces for maximum longevity up to one year.
- Refrigerate opened jars and consume within three weeks for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 48 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 82 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg