Fresh Fig Jam Recipe: How to Make Homemade Fig Jam

Fig jam is made of preserved fresh figs that are boiled with sugar until the mixture reaches a thick, spreadable consistency. Figs are naturally high in sugar, so fig jam can be made with slightly less sugar than other types of fruit jam. On the other hand, figs are naturally low in acid and pectin, a carbohydrate found in the cell walls of fruit that, when heated, causes jams to set. Pectin requires acidity to set, so many fig jams call for the addition of citrus fruits, such as fresh lemon juice and/or lemon zest, or balsamic vinegar.

Fig jam is a versatile condiment that works well in both sweet and savory preparations, including appetizers and desserts:

1. 1. Fig cookies: Fig jam is the classic filling for Cucidati (Italian fig cookies) and fig rolls. You can also use fig jam to stuff maamoul, a Middle Eastern cookie often filled with dates.
2. 2. Fig and goat cheese appetizer: Spread fig jam over a log of goat cheese or brie, and serve it as part of a cheese platter .
3. 3. Peanut butter and fig jam sandwiches: Substitute jelly with fig jam for a sophisticated twist on a classic peanut butter and jam sandwich.