How to Make Fig Preserves: A Step-by-Step Guide

Fig preserves are a delightful and versatile treat, perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your meals. Whether you have a bountiful harvest from your garden or enjoy fresh figs purchased from the market, making your own fig preserves can be a rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of crafting the perfect fig preserves, providing you with two popular methods and tips to ensure your preserves are delicious and long-lasting.

Method 1: Fig Preserves with Syrup

The classic method for making fig preserves involves packing the figs into sterilised jars, pouring over a sweet syrup, and boiling to ensure they are properly sealed. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Choose Your Fig Fruits: Select ripe, plump figs that are free from broken skins or mold. Puree the Figs: Wash the figs and remove any stems. Place them in a large saucepan, cover with water, and simmer for about 10 minutes until they are soft. Strain the figs through a fine-mesh sieve to separate the liquid and the pureed figs. Prepare the Syrup: In the same saucepan, combine the pureed figs with equal parts sugar and water. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens to the desired consistency. Pack the Jars: Sterilize your preserving jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Carefully fill each jar with the fig and syrup mixture, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Seal the Jars: Wipe the rims of the jars to ensure they are clean. Place sterilised lids on top, and screw the bands on gently but securely. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 40 minutes to create a proper seal. Let Them Rest: Allow the jars to cool and check for a proper seal by pressing on the centre of each lid. If it doesn’t move, the jar is properly sealed and ready to store.

Method 2: Fig Jam

If you prefer a more straightforward method, making a fig jam is a great option. Here’s how:

Prepare the Figs: Wash the figs and remove any stems. Chop them into small pieces if needed. Simmer Until Cooked Down: Place the chopped figs in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a simmer and cook until the figs are soft and the mixture begins to thicken. Adjust for Sweetness: Add sugar to taste and continue simmering, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a gel-like consistency. This usually takes around 10-15 minutes. Pack into Jars: Sterilize your jars and prepare the lids. Pour the hot jam into the jars and seal them with lids and bands. Wipe the jars and put them away in a cool, dark place. Enjoy Your Creations: Once stored properly, your fig preserves or jam can be enjoyed throughout the year, adding a touch of autumnal sweetness to your dishes.

Additional Tips for Success

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the best results:

Cleanliness is Key: Ensure that all equipment used for making preserves is sterilised to prevent contamination. This includes jars, lids, and utensils. Consistency Matters: Pay attention to the consistency of your fig mixture. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon without drips. Store Properly: Once your preserves or jam are made, store them in a cool, dark place. They should last for several months if properly sealed and stored. Experiment with Flavours: Try adding spices like cinnamon or vanilla, or even some lemon rind for a twist in your fig preserves or jam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How do I know if my preserves or jam has thickened enough?
A1: The jam should be able to coat the back of a spoon without dripping. If it drips, it needs more cooking time; if it forms a thick sheet when you spread a little on a cold plate, it’s ready.

Q2: Can I use frozen figs to make preserves?
A2: Yes, you can use frozen figs. Thaw them and follow the same process as with fresh figs. However, they might not require as much cooking time as fresh figs.

Q3: How can I test if my jars are sealed properly?
A3: Tap the sealed jars gently. If they are properly sealed, there should be no rattling sound. Alternatively, you can press the centre of the lid; if it doesn’t move, the jar is properly sealed.

By following these steps, you can successfully make fig preserves or jam, adding a delightful, homemade touch to your meals. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!