Fig jam: easy, delicious and foolproof cooking
Make a perfectly cooked fig jam : traditional tips, grandmother's secrets, modern variations and advice for a melting texture and an irresistible aroma. For toast, desserts or homemade gifts, become the king or queen of the fig 🥄

Why make your own fig jam 🍯
Making homemade fig jam is the simple pleasure of enhancing a summer fruit with its delicate texture and captivating aroma. You choose the ripeness of your figs, the amount of sugar, and the flavorings. The result? A smooth , glossy jam with melt-in-your-mouth pieces... nothing like the industrial one!
Mastered cooking is the secret to a perfect balance between flavor, color, and preservation. You can adjust the cooking time according to your desired texture: shorter for a very fruity jam, longer for a thicker texture. Figs, rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, add a healthy touch to your morning toast or summer desserts. And it's also a great way to use up a package of fresh figs !
Did you know? The Solliès AOP fig is the queen of French jams, famous for its intense red flesh and natural sweetness.
Ingredients & switch portions
Base for 4 medium pots (approx. 4 x 250 g) — adapt according to your harvest:
fresh figs from Solliès AOP
unrefined brown sugar
yellow lemon
vanilla pod (or 1 sachet of vanilla sugar)
ground pepper (optional)
Smart substitutions : Replace vanilla with cinnamon, anise, orange zest, or even a dash of rum. Coconut sugar or honey for an even more natural version. No fresh figs? Use frozen figs or blended fruit !
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Calories & Nutrition
Preparation: cooking jam step by step
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Wash and cut the figs : rinse the figs, cut off the stem, then slice them into quarters.
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Prepare the maceration : in a large salad bowl, mix figs, sugar, lemon juice, split vanilla.
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Leave to macerate : cover, leave to stand for 1 hour (or overnight in a cool place) to release the juice.
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Cook the jam : Pour the mixture into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 20 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Test the setting : Place a drop on a cold plate. Does it set? It's ready! If not, cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Fill the jars : pour boiling water into sterilized jars, screw on, turn over for 5 minutes. Leave to cool.
Variations for all tastes 🔥
White fig jam : milder taste, golden color. Fig & walnut : add 80g of crushed kernels at the end of cooking. Fig & rhubarb or fig & apple for a tangy note. Fig & spices : cinnamon, cardamom, star anise. Light version : reduce sugar (while monitoring storage). Express : blend coarsely in a blender for a smoother texture.
Conservation & batch cooking
Closed jars : up to 1 year away from light, in a cupboard. After opening : 3 weeks in a cool place. Batch tip : prepare several flavors in one session (fig-ginger, fig-orange, etc.). Anti-waste : fig jam is perfect for recycling overripe or split fruit.
Service ideas and pairings
- Morning toast : sourdough bread, salted butter, generous jam.
- With a cheese platter (goat, sheep, Roquefort).
- As a garnish for grilled meats (duck breast, filet mignon), or on foie gras toast.
- In natural yogurt or cottage cheese.
- Layer cake or rolled cake with homemade jam.
- As a topping for healthy bowls, with fresh fruit, seeds and granola.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should you peel figs?
No, the skin is thin and melts when cooked . Keep it for the color and fiber.
How long to cook?
About 20 minutes after boiling: the longer you cook, the thicker the jam will become. For a very fruity texture, stop as soon as the cold plate test is reached.
Can we use special jam sugar?
Yes, but brown sugar is enough. Adding lemon or apple improves the natural setting (pectin).
Is the jam too runny?
Cook for a few more minutes. If necessary, add a little lemon juice or a few pieces of apple.
Cooking in an air fryer or appliance?
Jam requires gentle cooking in a saucepan. For practical accessories, check out our air fryer comparison .
Tips for successful cooking
- Use a large pot to avoid boil-overs.
- Stir often for even cooking and to prevent sticking.
- Cold plate drop test: if it solidifies, it's ready!
- A little pepper or ginger to boost the flavors.
- Sterilize your jars well for long-term storage.
Smart budget & sources
Fresh figs : around €4-6/kg depending on the season (or direct parcel from the producer ), organic sugar: ~€2/kg. Less than €0.80/homemade jar! For premium figs: find out more about Solliès figs . Batch accessories: blender , ice cream maker . All our Neary recipes .
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