Capture the luscious essence of summer with this irresistible recipe for Fresh Fig Preserves! Bursting with the natural sweetness of ripe figs, this homemade preserve combines the rich flavors of honey, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant lemon zest for a perfectly balanced treat. Slowly simmered to achieve a velvety texture, these preserves are an absolute delight, whether spread over toast, swirled into yogurt, or paired with your favorite cheese. With just six simple ingredients and an easy, fuss-free cooking method, this recipe is perfect for preserving the seasonβs bounty. Plus, the option to can your fig preserves ensures you can enjoy their vibrant flavor year-round. Perfect for breakfast spreads, charcuterie boards, or gifting, Fresh Fig Preserves are a delicious way to savor the sweetness of homemade goodness.
Wash the figs gently under cool water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Remove the stems from the figs and cut them into quarters or halves, depending on their size.
In a medium-sized, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the figs, granulated sugar, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture begins to look syrupy, about 5β7 minutes.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for 40β50 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning.
As the preserves cook, use the back of a spoon or a potato masher to break down the figs into smaller pieces for a smoother texture (optional).
Check for the correct consistency by spooning a little of the mixture onto a cold plate. If it thickens and wrinkles when pushed with your finger, itβs ready. If not, continue to simmer and check again in a few minutes.
Once the preserves are done, remove the saucepan from heat and let it cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
Transfer the fig preserves into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
Seal the jars with lids and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or process them in a boiling water bath for long-term storage (refer to proper canning guidelines).
Serve your fresh fig preserves chilled or at room temperature as a spread, topping, or accompaniment.
Calories |
1624 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.8 g | 4% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.6 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 12 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 425.9 g | 155% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 26.8 g | 96% | |
| Total Sugars | 397.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.2 g | 14% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 327 mg | 25% | |
| Iron | 3.7 mg | 21% | |
| Potassium | 2173 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.