Southern Fig Preserves
Capture the essence of the South with this timeless recipe for Southern Fig Preserves, a sweet and tangy delight steeped in tradition. Featuring succulent fresh figs, zesty lemon slices, and a touch of optional vanilla for rich depth, this preserve is cooked low and slow to create a velvety syrup that’s perfect for spreading on buttery biscuits or drizzling over creamy ice cream. The gentle simmering process ensures the figs remain tender while infusing every bite with the bright citrusy flair of lemon. Ready in under two hours and ideal for canning or immediate enjoyment, these preserves are a versatile addition to your pantry, bringing warm, homemade Southern charm to any meal. Keywords: Southern Fig Preserves, homemade preserves, fig recipe, canning recipes, Southern desserts.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 6 cups fresh figs
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced (seeds removed)
- 1.5 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
Wash the figs thoroughly, then trim the stems and cut any large figs into halves or quarters to ensure even cooking.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the sliced lemon and water. Bring it to a gentle boil over medium heat and cook for 5 minutes to soften the lemon slices.
Add the figs to the pot and gently stir to coat them in the lemon water.
Gradually add the granulated sugar to the pot, stirring gently to combine. Allow the sugar to dissolve completely before moving to the next step.
Bring the mixture to a low boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer uncovered.
Stir the figs occasionally to prevent sticking, being careful not to break them apart. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface during cooking.
Simmer the preserves for 60 to 90 minutes, or until the figs are tender, the lemons are translucent, and the syrup has thickened to your preferred consistency.
If desired, stir in the vanilla extract during the last 5 minutes of cooking for added depth of flavor.
Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the preserves into sterilized jars, ensuring the figs are submerged in syrup and leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
Seal the jars tightly and process them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal, or store them in the refrigerator if you plan to use them quickly.
Allow the preserves to rest for at least 24 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over biscuits, toast, or ice cream for a delicious Southern treat!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3372 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 4.6 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.9 g | 4% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 28 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 879.9 g | 320% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 43.0 g | 154% | |
| Total Sugars | 834.3 g | ||
| Protein | 11.3 g | 23% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 537 mg | 41% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 3400 mg | 72% | |
*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.
