When I think of Cyprus I associate it with lots of delicious food and produce including figs and lemons, so when Expedia asked me to take part in the World on a Plate Challenge I knew what I had to make, a simple Fig Jam.
My husband lived in Paphos for a year as a teenager and fondly remembers the fig and lemon trees growing in the garden there. In fact I’m sure it’s my mother in law who suggested I make fig jam when I first started jam making as she is a huge fan of it. I have to admit to being totally unfamiliar to figs as they are not something I grew up with.. I did love Fig Rolls though as a child, until the day I saw a dried fig and then I was totally put off them (kid logic)!
So back to the plot, having tried some fig jam for the first time last year (that my mother gave me), I actually really loved it and put it on my bucket list of jams to make. I decided to keep the flavour clean and simple as I’m not a big fan of adding flavourings to jam – I like to let the fruit shine! As figs are low in pectin rather than use jam sugar or pectin I upped the lemon juice in this recipe and also used the skins for additional pectin!
My simple Fig Jam turned out wonderfully and we have been enjoying it with cheese and biscuits as well as on croissants etc for a sweet treat. What surprised me most was the colour as the fig jam I’d been given was brown but this fig jam has a beautiful deep pink colour.
- 1.2 Kg Figs, washed
- 600g Glranulated sugar
- Juice and skin of 2 small unwaxed lemons (equating to 5 tbsp juice)
- The night before prepare the figs by trimming the stems, chopping in half and then chop each half into nine pieces, cutting in 3 both ways. (If you like a finer textured jam then chop into smaller pieces.)
- Place the halved lemon skins into a glass bowl along with the chopped figs and pour over the sugar followed by the lemon juice, cover and leave at room temperature overnight.
- Place all the fruit mixture into a preserving pan (or one of similar size) and gently heat until all the sugar has dissolved.
- Increase the heat and bring the mixture up to a rolling boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 38 - 40 minutes, stirring regularly until the mixture is looking thick and syrupy. You can use a potato masher to break up the figs if you wish.
- Discard the lemon skins and pot up in hot sterilised jars.
- Makes 1 ltr of jam (which for me filled just over 1 large and 2 small jars).
I do hope you try my fig jam recipe and if you need any more fig inspiration then take a look at these recipe ideas:
Honey Roasted Fig and Red Pepper Salad with wilted Spinach – A Mummy Too
Figs Stuffed with Vegan Cashew Cream Cheese – Natural Kitchen Adventures
Smoked Duck Salad with Glazed Figs, Blue Cheese & Hazelnuts – The Foodie Couple Blog
Fig, White Chocolate and Mascarpone Tarts – Tin & Thyme
Baked Figs with Bacon, Sundried Tomatoes & Mozarella – Munchies & Munchkins
NB: I received vouchers to cover my ingredients and time making this recipe.
56 comments
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A S,Edinburgh
19/02/2017 at 9:02 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’ve never had fig jam. This looks beautiful though!
Debbie w
05/09/2016 at 8:31 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Just making my first ever batch. My neighbour has masses of figs and lets them rot every year. For the first time ever she asked if I wanted some! Always had to buy in France before so I hope this tastes good!
Camilla
05/09/2016 at 11:37 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Ooh fab, my old neighbour had a tree but I wasn’t into jam making back then wish I lived next to her now:-) Let me know how you get on:-)
Isabella
30/10/2015 at 3:44 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This looks like my idea of heaven! You really are the queen of jams, delicious!
Camilla
30/10/2015 at 4:02 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Aaw, thank you so much Isabella-)
Heather Haigh
30/10/2015 at 6:44 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oh I love figs, looks delicious.
Eb Gargano
22/09/2015 at 1:58 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love figs but I’ve never tried fig jam. I will have to have a go at making this so I can find out what it tastes like!
Camilla
22/09/2015 at 11:06 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’ve never liked figs but I love fig jam:-) Do let me know what you think!
peter @feedyoursoultoo
17/09/2015 at 10:41 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I am sure the figs made for a great jelly. I hope your husband enjoyed the memories.
Camilla
17/09/2015 at 10:58 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Peter they really did:-) Hubby hadn’t had fig jam before but really likes it now;-)
April J Harris
17/09/2015 at 5:47 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Your fig jam looks wonderful, Camilla! I can think of so many recipes to use it in!
Camilla
17/09/2015 at 11:03 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you April, ooh I’m trying to think what recipes you have in mind now:-)
Nadia's Healthy Kitchen
17/09/2015 at 12:12 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love figs but I don’t think i’ve had fig jam. Looks delicious! I bet this would go nicely with some salty cheese on a piece of bread 🙂
Camilla
17/09/2015 at 12:43 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you, yes fab with salty cheese:-)
Sarah
16/09/2015 at 7:45 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m not keen on fresh figs either, but I love them dried so I thought I’d give this recipe a go. I made it this morning and it’s lovely. Looks fab in the jars too. Thanks.
Camilla
16/09/2015 at 8:47 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oh fabulous, so glad you like it:-)
Elizabeth
16/09/2015 at 7:08 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m a big fan of figs. I never used to be, but I’ve fallen in love with them over the last few years. What a gorgeous jam this is! Pinned to try later 🙂
Camilla
16/09/2015 at 10:22 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks:-) I’m still not but liking the jam is probably a first step LOL:-)
Paul Wilson
16/09/2015 at 12:06 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Figs are underrated in my opinion.
Camilla
16/09/2015 at 12:23 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’m not keen on fresh ones but love them in jam now;-)
Platter Talk
15/09/2015 at 2:24 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This post make me want to go up to my pantry and dig out a jar of this fig jam! I can’t wait to make it!
Camilla
15/09/2015 at 11:52 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you! Do let me know what you think:-)
Serena | Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch
14/09/2015 at 11:50 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
What a gorgeous fig jam!
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 11:56 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Serena, I’m hooked on it now:-)
Sylvia @ Happiness is homemade
14/09/2015 at 7:56 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
What a beautiful vibrant colour! I love figs and while I was on holiday in Algeria I’ve tried green variety for the first time – it was super tasty! Wish we had them in the UK 🙂
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 8:39 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Ooh green figs sound fab:-)
Suzy | The Mediterranean Dish
14/09/2015 at 3:58 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Figs are a symbol of the Mediterranean! And fig jam is my favorite. Great recipe!!!
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 4:58 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you so Suzy, I’m so glad I made this recipe:-)
Notmyyearoff
14/09/2015 at 11:43 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This looks so lovely, we do like figs and have a lot of fig roll biscuits but I’ve never thought to try it in a jam before.
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 12:15 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Well you have to try this jam then:-)
Julia@Vikalinka
14/09/2015 at 11:26 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
What a gorgeous colour! I love anything made with figs but I have never attempted making jam. Pinning the recipe for later!
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 12:17 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Julia – it’s never too late to start jam making and once you start I’m sure you’ll get hooked like I am:-)
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche
14/09/2015 at 11:22 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oooh this sounds amazing! I often find figs a bit gritty, but I love the flavour, so turning them into a jam sounds perfect for me 🙂
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 12:18 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Becca, yes the jam just turns them into something extra awesome:-)
Janie
14/09/2015 at 11:20 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Oooh, you’ve just reminded me how much I love fig jam Camilla. I first tried it on the breakfast buffet in an Egyptian hotel and fell so in love with it I ended up bringing home several jars in my suitcase!
If our fig tree ever puts out enough fruit, you can guess what I’ll be doing with it 😉
Janie x
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 12:19 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Fabulous Janie – I’m now wishing I still had my old neigbour as she had loads of figs from her tree every year!
Ceri
14/09/2015 at 8:57 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I adore figs, and am a bit sad that they aren’t available all year round – but then I switch to dried figs which I love to. I think its the burst of sweetness from the seeds in the middle. Anyway… Jam looks like a lovely way to enjoy these fruits. Especially with cheese!
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 9:01 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Ceri, yes the jam is fabulous with cheese. I think I’ll have to make another batch soon as everyone wants a jar!
Katie Bryson
14/09/2015 at 7:18 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This jam looks stunning Camilla… i’m a big fan of home preserving having been taught by my mum. I’m in the middle of making a batch of bramble jelly right now, but i’m already thinking Figs could have to be next on the jam agenda!!!!!! Gorgeous pictures 🙂
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 8:58 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thank you Katie, I’m really pleased with the jam:-) Your jelly sounds fab, an area of preserving I’ve yet to venture to!
Maya Russell
14/09/2015 at 5:53 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I was never a liker of figs but this jam looks very nice and I would try it for sure. Our fig tree, though, never bears any decent sized fruit.
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 9:03 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
That’s a shame Maya, maybe it needs some nutrients put in the soil or perhaps it requires more sun. My neighbour’s fig tree produced good sized fruit.
Paul Wilson
14/09/2015 at 12:11 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Great stuff.
Camilla
14/09/2015 at 9:04 am (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Paul:-)
Jacqueline Meldrum
13/09/2015 at 10:46 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I’ve gone off figs lately, but this looks gorgeous Camilla. You really are the queen of jams. Stumbled, Yummed and Tweeted.
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 10:52 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Jacs:-) I’ve never liked figs but in jam they rock:-)
Janice
13/09/2015 at 10:31 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
ooh that looks so good Camilla, especially love the idea of having it with savoury foods. Lovely photos too.
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 10:53 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Aaw thanks Janice, I wasn’t happy with my first set so did a re-shoot!
Tracy
13/09/2015 at 10:20 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This just looks delicious- I love figs and I am sure I could eat a whole jar of this in one go!
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 10:54 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
LOL Tracey and thank you:-)
Roz
13/09/2015 at 5:40 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I love figs. They look so pretty in that picture . I think I’d love this with cheese too
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 5:45 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Roz:-) Well it’s taken my several decades to enjoy gooseberries so I feel figs will now be having their turn:-)
The Beesley Buzz
13/09/2015 at 5:26 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
I adore figs! My fig tree finally started to bear decent fruit this year so net year i may even get enough figs to try this recipe. x
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 5:46 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
To think my old neighbour had a fig tree and I just wasn’t into figs back then!
Choclette
13/09/2015 at 5:22 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
This jam looks totally glorious Camilla. I love figs in pretty much any format. I was surprised at what a lovely colour fig jam turned out to be when I made it a couple of years ago.
Camilla
13/09/2015 at 5:47 pm (UTC 1) Link to this comment
Thanks Choclette, yes it’s a lovely rich pink colour:-)
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