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Flavorful Honey Balsamic Fresh Fig Jam

honey balsamic fresh fig jam - featured image

A small batch fig jam combining the mellow sweetness of honey with the tangy depth of balsamic vinegar, perfect for spreading on toast, pairing with cheeses, or adding a sweet touch to meats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh figs (about 450g), ripe but firm
  • 1/4 cup honey (85g)
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (30ml)
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (30ml)
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (50g)
  • 1 small vanilla bean, split and scraped or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse the figs gently and pat dry. Remove the stems and chop into small pieces about 1/2-inch chunks (approximately 3 cups chopped figs).
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine chopped figs, honey, balsamic vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, vanilla bean seeds or extract, and a pinch of salt. Stir to combine evenly.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens and figs break down.
  4. Test the jam’s consistency by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilting it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it is done. If not, cook for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
  5. Remove from heat and discard the vanilla bean pod if used. Let the jam cool slightly before transferring to clean glass jars. The jam will thicken further as it cools.
  6. Seal the jars and allow to cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Notes

Use ripe but firm figs to avoid mushy texture. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Test jam set early and often to avoid overcooking. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup. For thicker jam, stir in 1 teaspoon chia seeds after cooking. Jam can be cooked in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours as an alternative method. Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, honey balsamic jam, fresh fig jam, small batch jam, homemade jam, easy fig jam, fig preserves