Discover how to prepare an exquisite homemade fig jam that will delight your senses with every bite. In our last article, we share with you an easy and delicious recipe to create your own fig jam, perfect to accompany your breakfasts, desserts and snack moments. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy the sweet taste of figs all year round. Read on to learn how to make this delight in your own kitchen!
Fig Jam
Prepare a delicious homemade fig jam in less than an hour. With only ripe figs, sugar, and a touch of lemon, you can enjoy this sweet and aromatic preserve in your favorite breakfasts and desserts. Easy to make and full of flavor
3
Jars15
minute40
minute300
kcal55
minuteIngredients:
1 kilo of ripe figs, clean and without stems
500 grams of white or brown sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on your sweetness preference)
The juice of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon of lemon zest (optional, to give an extra touch of flavor)
Instructions
- Wash the figs well and cut them into small pieces. If you prefer a smoother texture in your jam, you can puree them in a blender or food processor, but if you like to find chunks of fruit, cut them into larger cubes.
- Place the figs in a large pot and add the sugar and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the figs begin to release their juices and the mixture takes on a thicker consistency.
- Once the figs are soft and the mixture has reduced slightly, you can use a fork or potato masher to mash some of the fig pieces if you prefer a more uniform texture.
- If you decide to add lemon zest, add it now and mix well.
- Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the jam reaches the desired consistency. This can take about 30-45 minutes, depending on the amount of liquid in the figs and how thick you want the jam.
- Once the jam has reached the desired consistency, remove the pot from the heat and let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the still hot jam to sterilized jars and seal them tightly.
- Let cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place. Homemade fig jam can last for several weeks or even months in the refrigerator, but be sure to use it before it goes bad.
Tips
- Select ripe figs: Make sure you choose ripe figs to get the best flavor and texture in your jam.
- Adjust the amount of sugar: You can adjust the amount of sugar based on your sweetness preference and the ripeness level of the figs.
- Add lemon: Lemon juice not only adds a touch of fresh flavor, but also acts as a natural gelling agent due to its pectin content.
- Cook over medium-low heat: Cooking the jam over medium-low heat helps prevent burning and allows the flavors to develop slowly.
- Stir frequently: It is important to stir the jam regularly to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and to ensure that it cooks evenly.
- Test consistency: Before removing the jam from the heat, test its consistency by placing a small amount on a cold plate. It should thicken and not spread too much.
- Sterilize the jars: Be sure to sterilize the jars before filling them with the hot jam to prolong their shelf life.
- Let the jam rest: Let the jam cool and set in the jars before storing it in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy different uses: In addition to using it on toast, try fig jam in yogurt, ice cream, cheeses, or even as an accompaniment to meat dishes.
- Experiment with flavors: If you wish, you can add spices such as cinnamon or vanilla to give an extra touch of flavor to your fig jam.
Nutritional information
- Calories 50kcal
- Carbohydrates 12g
- Protein 0g
- Fat 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fiber 1g
- Sugar 11g
Fig or Fig Jam and the health benefits
Fig jam, made with natural ingredients such as fresh figs and lemon, can offer several health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Some of these benefits may include:
- Rich in fiber: Figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestive health. Fiber can help prevent constipation and promote bowel regularity.
- High antioxidant content: Figs contain antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help fight free radical damage in the body and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Source of vitamins and minerals: Figs or figs are rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are important for the proper functioning of the body.
- Low in fat and calories: Homemade fig jam can be a low-fat, low-calorie option compared to other commercial jams that may contain excess added fats and refined sugars.
- Natural sweetener: By using figs or figs as a base, jam can be a natural alternative to the refined sugar in other preserves, which can be beneficial for those looking to reduce their consumption of processed sugar.
- Promotes variety in the diet: Adding fig jam to your diet can help diversify your fruit intake and provide a tasty and versatile option to enjoy in a variety of dishes and recipes.
It is important to note that although fig jam may offer certain health benefits, it is also important to consume it in moderation as it may contain added sugar. Additionally, people with diabetes or other specific health conditions should take their carbohydrate and sugar intake into account when consuming fig jam.
History of Fig or Fig Jam
Fig jam has a history dating back centuries, with roots in ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture. Figs are a fruit native to the Mediterranean region and have been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years. The first domesticated figs are believed to date back at least 9,000 years in the region of Mesopotamia, modern-day Iraq.
The practice of preserving fruits by cooking them with sugar to make jam dates back to ancient Rome and Greece. Figs, being a very perishable fruit, were ideal to be transformed into jam for long-term conservation. Additionally, the high natural sugar content of figs made them suitable for making jams without the need to add too much sugar.
During the Middle Ages, fig jam spread throughout Europe and became a popular delicacy among nobility and royalty. At that time, jam was considered an exquisite delicacy and was consumed as part of festive celebrations and banquets.
Over time, fig jam became popular around the world and became a staple in many home kitchens. Today, it continues to be prized for its sweet flavor and versatility in cooking, being used in a variety of recipes, from pie fillings to cheese accompaniments.
The fig jam recipe has evolved over time, adapting to regional tastes and preferences, but its charm endures as a reminder of the rich culinary history of ancient civilizations and their ability to preserve and appreciate the flavors of nature.
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Image credit: freepik
