How to make successful fresh fig jam: tips and seasonal recipes for August
French figs August Recipe Preservative free Cooking tips
Why make your fig jam in August?
If you're lucky enough to come across ripe figs at the market or in your garden, August is THE perfect time to make homemade jam. Fresh figs are bursting with natural sugar and fragrance, perfect for a simple and generous recipe. Making your own jam means capturing the spirit of summer in a jar, without additives or preservatives, for year-round enjoyment.
Plus, with the right tips, you can vary the pleasures: purple or white figs, with or without pieces, a touch of lemon, a hint of vanilla, or even a pinch of pepper to twist things up. This homemade preparation keeps well and always makes a splash at breakfast or on toast for a snack!
How to serve it: delicious ideas 🥗
Toasted bread, salted butter, homemade fig jam... and add a few nuts for a crunchy touch. A classic that never gets old in August!
Having friends over for a summer meal? Serve the jam as a condiment with goat cheese, a charcuterie board, or even to top grilled pork ribs: guaranteed grill effect! 🔥
Mix a spoonful of fig jam with plain yogurt or cottage cheese. For a fresh touch, add a sliced raw fig and a dash of cinnamon.
Love blender smoothies ? Blend a fresh fig, a little jam, plant-based milk, and a few ice cubes, and you're ready for a delicious and healthy snack.
Spread ricotta on a slice of whole-grain bread, a spoonful of fig jam, a few arugula leaves, and a twist of the pepper mill. A guaranteed brunch effect!
The best tips for successful cooking
- Choose ripe figs : With supple skin, fleshy and fragrant. Damaged or overly firm figs will have less flavor and a less melting texture.
- Coarse or fine chop? Leave large chunks for a rustic jam, or chop finer for a smoother texture, whichever you prefer.
- Sugar, neither too much nor too little : For 1 kg of figs, between 500 g and 700 g of granulated sugar is ideal. Adjust depending on whether you want a lighter or firmer jam.
- Lemon zest : It adds freshness, balances sweetness, and helps preserve flavor. Add the juice of half a lemon at the beginning of cooking.
- Cooking over low heat : Stir regularly to prevent it from caramelizing too quickly. The jam must simmer gently for the natural pectin to take effect.
- Foam at the end of cooking : Removes the foam for a shiny, impurity-free jam.
- Drop test : Pour a drop onto a cold plate; it should solidify slightly as it cools. If not, cook for a few more minutes.
- Fill the jars while hot : Turn them over immediately to ensure sterilization and long-term storage without preservatives.
- Original variation : Add a split vanilla pod, a little black pepper or a few almond slivers to personalize your jam.
- Be sure to check out Neary's other seasonal recipes for inspiration all summer long.
Easy recipe for fresh fig jam
- Wash and dry about a kilo of ripe figs. Cut them into quarters.
- Place in a large saucepan with 600g of granulated sugar, the juice of half a lemon and possibly a little vanilla.
- Leave to macerate for thirty minutes to release the juice.
- Bring to a gentle boil while stirring, then reduce heat and simmer for about 40 minutes. Stir frequently.
- Check the setting with the drop test on a cold plate.
- Pour hot into clean jars, seal and turn upside down to sterilize.
Extra tip: if you want a really smooth jam, a quick blast in a smoothie blender before putting it in the jar will do the trick!
Budget, purchases & recommended equipment
Budget tip 🥗: Look for end-of-market promotions or ask the producer for “ugly” but fragrant figs, perfect for jams.
FAQ
Can you use figs that are not quite ripe?
Ripe figs are best for a fragrant jam with a good texture. Less ripe figs are firmer, less sweet, and produce a more bland result.
How long does homemade fig jam last?
With well-sterilized jars filled while still hot, you can keep your jam for several months in a cool, dark cupboard. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator and consume it within three weeks.
Can you cut down on sugar safely?
Reducing the sugar is possible, but the jam doesn't keep as well. If you want to lighten the recipe, prepare small jars and consume them quickly, or keep them refrigerated.
The jam isn't setting, what should I do?
Continue cooking for a few minutes, add a little lemon juice to activate the natural pectin, then repeat the drop test on a cold plate.
What cheeses does fig jam pair best with?
Try it with fresh goat cheese, blue cheese, tomme, or even aged Comté. The sweet and tangy flavors pair wonderfully with blue-veined or aged cheeses.
Want more inspiration for cooking with summer fruits? Check out our recipes of the week and find the inspiration you've been missing! 🥗
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