Dried fig jam and fresh fig jam: two faces of the same treasure

Figs, the soft sweet delights from heaven, are quite a versatile fruit. You cannot just enjoy the watery, fleshy colorful fruits during summer time. They easily deteriorate and you cannot keep them for long. Previously, I have explained the need to dry these fruits in order to preserve them for year-round use. In this article, I will be talking about another way to exploit these delicious fruits.

Jams are a familiar product for most people. But, is fig jam as popular as other varieties? Keep scrolling to find out about how you can make this jam at home and which ingredients to use.

Fig Jam

The most familiar way of making jams is by using fresh fruits. That’s why many people have been exploring and experimenting with fresh figs and turning them into fabulous jams.

What some people might have missed, though, is that even fresh figs can be divided into two varieties and hence two types of jams.

Ripe and unripe figs can both be used. They yield different flavors and tastes but they are both delicious and useful for all recipes. Unripe fruits contain lesser amounts of sugar, and this is the main difference. Therefore, you either add a bit more sugar or honey to the mixture to obtain a very sweet jam or you can avoid additions. As a matter of fact, it might be an excellent item for people with diabetes.

Ingredients and preparation method:

• 1 kg fresh figs4 medium cups sugar
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Steps to follow:

Wash the fruits and make sure you remove any extra materials. Slice the fruits into tiny pieces. Then put them in the cooking pan, add the sugar and water, and then keep stirring gently. Once it boils add the lemon juice and stir. Leave it to cook on medium heat for about an hour, stirring every now and then. Once all water vanishes, turn off the heat and leave the mixture to cool. Put it in a glass jar, seal it tightly, and put it in the fridge.

The nutritional profile for the fig jam:

One spoon of 20 grams of fresh fig jam contains the following:

• Calories: 56
• Fiber: 0.2 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Sodium: 6.4 g
• Protein: 0.1 g
• Potassium: 15 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g

This jam can be used with any recipe you wish. Go bold and try new plates and new ways.

Dried fig jam

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of dried figs
• 3 cups of water
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 3 cups of sugar
• Sesame
• Cardamom (optional)

Pour the water, lemon juice, and sugar into a pan; turn the heat on and stir for a while. When water boils add the dried figs. Let them cook for half an hour until it gets thick.

Roast the sesame a bit and add it to the mixture just before you turn the heat off. This will give it a nutty flavor.

If you want to add a bit of cardamom, then you need to roast it well and then ground it. Make sure you add it when you put the fruits so that it gets cooked well.

You can change sugar with natural honey if you like. And remember that dried figs have more sugar contents than their fresh counterparts. Therefore, you might want to decrease the sugar you use for the blend.

The nutritional profile of the dried fig jam:

Every 45 grams of this jam has the following:

• Calories: 125
• Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Protein: 0.1 g

Fig and ginger jam

Ingredients:

• 16 oz fresh figs
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons of fresh, grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1/2 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup of water

Ginger might be a bit strong flavored for some people. Make sure you do not add it unless you are sure of the taste. And in all case scenarios, two tablespoons do not make a huge difference. It is just an exquisitely unique flavor.

My personal favorite jam:

Figs jams, whether fresh or dried, are a sweet paste to spread on your morning toasts, or use it with a few sweets’ recipes. But my favorite combination includes figs and black olives.

Try the same dried fig jam recipe, but simply add a handful of fully ripe dry black olives. The ingredients should be homogenous at the end of the cooking time, but if you want to mix even more then you can do that in the blender. The taste is incredible and the benefits are beyond expectations. Give it a try and you won’t regret it. these are easy fig jam recipes, do it yourself and experience the pleasure.