In this article, I will show you how to make fig jam from dried figs and answer some of the questions that you may have about fig jams in general.
Steps To Make A Fig Jam From Dried Figs
Preparing fig jam is a straightforward process as it does not contain too many ingredients. So, let us head right into it.
Step 1: Peel or chop the dried figs
First, wash the dried figs thoroughly and then peel the dried figs because the skin is not required for making the jam.
However, it is not mandatory to peel the skin of dried figs. If you prefer to keep the skin then you can just chop the dried figs into small pieces.
Next place the peeled or chopped figs in a container and cover them with water.
Step 2: Boil the ingredients
Now you have placed the figs in water, pour them into a container and add sugar (this is optional, if you do not want sugar, you can ignore this step).
Turn on the heater and boil. Ensure the heat is low to avoid overcooking. Boil for about 20 minutes or until the figs become soft and turn into a jam texture. Add more water if you notice the water has reduced.
Make sure to cook the fig jam with a lid to speed up the cooking time and to get the right consistency.
Step 3: Pour into a food Processor
Once you are done with heating, put off the heater and pour the fig jam into a food processor.
Then you can add lemon juice which will act as a flavor to the jam. You can use orange juice in place of lemon if you prefer an orange-flavored fig jam.
Now, sprinkle a pinch of salt into it and then allow it to process.
Watch the thickness of the jam and add a teaspoon of water until the texture is the same as that of toothpaste.
That is it. Your fig jam will be ready in no time.
Now all you need to do is allow it to cool, then you can cover it and store it in the refrigerator.
Which Type Dried Figs Are Best Suited For Making Jam?
Wild and raw organic Turkish figs are the best if you choose to make jam with dried figs.
The moist texture is the feature that makes Turkish dried fig stand out from the rest.
Dried figs are usually very dry to the point that there is no moisture left in them, but Turkish figs retain the moisture and can have an excellent texture with the help of the sun-drying process. Therefore, Turkish figs are best suited for making jam.
How Do You Thicken Fig Jam?
Making fig jam as you have seen above is so easy and does not take time at all. Also, it is easy to store and has a lovely taste. However, you might have issues with the consistency whether it is thick enough or not.
If you are still in the process of making the jam, you can easily fix the thickness and put it in the texture you want by reducing the water but if you notice it later then you will need to take a different approach to fix the thickness.
First, unlock the can and prepare for another cooking process. Then pour the jam into the pot and simmer.
While you are cooking it, add pectin to it to reduce jam and guarantee to thicken it. You can also make use of chia seeds in place of pectin to thicken the jam.
Finally wash and sterilize the jars you used initially to store it before pouring back the thickened jam.
How Long Does Homemade Fig Jam Last?
Figs made at home can last for up to 2 years if no preservatives are being added to it and they are left in the pantry unopened.
In case the fig jam has been opened, then it needs to be consumed within the space of 6 months but if placed in the fridge it can last up to a year max.
Also, note that adding pectin to fig jam does not affect the lifespan of jam, there has not been any proof or theory to support this. Pectin only affects the thickness of the jam and nothing else.
That’s all I have for now. I hope you found this article informative.
Related Article: Four interesting methods to eat dried figs.
