Fig Jam

Fig jam - a refined delight that will enchant your senses and add a special touch to your desserts! With a fine texture and a sweet-sour taste, this jam is perfect for use in cakes or simply enjoyed on a slice of toasted bread. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicacy at home!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Number of servings: About 6 jars of 250 ml

Necessary ingredients:
- 800 g fresh figs (choose ripe but firm figs for a pleasant texture)
- 1 kg granulated sugar (preferably white sugar, but you can experiment with brown sugar for a caramelized taste)
- 250 ml water (to form the syrup)
- 1 lemon (sliced, to add a tangy flavor and help preserve the jam)
- 100 g yellow raisins (optional, to add an extra touch of sweetness and an interesting texture)

Preparation steps:

1. Preparing the figs: Start by washing the figs well under cold running water. Then, carefully remove the thin skin from each fig with a sharp knife. This step is essential, as the skin can give a more bitter taste to the jam. If the figs are very ripe, you can use a knife to cut them into quarters or halves, depending on your preference.

2. Preparing the syrup: In a large pot, combine water, sugar, and lemon slices. Place the pot over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, let the syrup boil for about 10-15 minutes until it starts to thicken. This syrup will form the base of your jam.

3. Adding the figs: Once the syrup has started to bind, carefully add the cleaned figs to the pot. If you chose to use yellow raisins, now is the time to add them as well. Gently stir to avoid crushing the figs, but enough to coat them with syrup.

4. Boiling the jam: Allow the jam to simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally, for about 40-60 minutes. You will notice the syrup becoming denser and the figs releasing their juice. It is important to monitor the process to prevent the jam from burning. If you want to check the consistency, you can do a simple test: drop a drop of syrup on a cold plate and draw a line with your finger. If the line remains, the jam is ready!

5. Bottling: Prepare clean and dry jars (you can sterilize them by boiling in water for 10 minutes or by running them through a dishwasher cycle). When the jam is ready, carefully pour it into the jars, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top. Seal the jars tightly.

6. Cooling: Let the jars cool to room temperature, then store them in a cool, dark place. The jam will keep well for several months, thanks to the sugar and lemon acting as natural preservatives.

Serving and combinations: Fig jam is extremely versatile! You can serve it on a slice of toasted bread with butter, as a filling for cakes, or as a topping for pancakes. It also pairs perfectly with fine cheeses, such as brie or camembert, for a sophisticated appetizer.

Helpful tip: If you want to add a special flavor, you can incorporate a pinch of cinnamon or a few whole cloves into the syrup for a warm and spicy note.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use dried figs? Although the recipe is designed for fresh figs, you can experiment with dried figs, keeping in mind that they will require soaking in warm water before preparation.
- How can I check the consistency of the jam? The drop test on a cold plate is the simplest way to check if the jam has set correctly.
- Can the jam be frozen? It is not recommended to freeze the jam, as temperature changes can affect its texture. It is better to store it at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Nutritional benefits: Fig jam is not only delicious, but figs are also rich in fiber, vitamins (A, B, C), minerals (calcium, potassium), and antioxidants. When consumed in moderation, they can contribute to a healthy diet.

Whether you prepare it to enjoy with family or to give as a gift, fig jam will bring a touch of joy to any moment. Try it and let yourself be carried away by its aromas!