Luscious figs make great preserves. Recipe from Big Mill B&B (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between fig jam and fig preserves? ›

Fig jam typically consists of figs, sugar, and sometimes lemon juice or zest for added flavor. On the other hand, fig preserves often contain larger pieces of figs or even whole figs, along with sugar and sometimes additional spices or flavorings.

Fig jam will thicken as it cools. If Fig jam ends up being too runny, thicken it with a little cornstarch slurry or just boil jam down some more. If there is excessive foam at the end, just skim it off.

15 Ways to Enjoy Fig Preserves

Combine with rosemary and balsamic vinegar and use as a glaze for chicken, pork, or kebabs. Swirl into a cheesecake batter for a fig cheesecake. Spread it on toast, English muffins, or biscuits instead of jelly. Mix with softened cream cheese as a crepe filling.

Fig preserves are naturally sweet and very flavorful; however, the taste should not be bland. These are soaked in a spiced golden syrup which adds incredible flavor.

Celeste – Is a hardy fig developing small to medium, violet-skinned fruit when mature. This tree will become a large fig tree and is highly productive. The flesh is rich and sweet, often used to make fig preserves.

If there isn't enough pectin in the fruit itself and you don't add extra pectin, the result is runny jelly or jam. Additionally, if the fruit is overripe, its pectin levels are lower. Added pectin comes in a couple of forms.

Pectin makes jams and jellies firm. You need it so it is not runny, and is not overcooked to make it firmer. How do you make apricot jam without pectin? Making apricot jam without pectin is possible by using a combination of sugar and lemon juice to help the jam thicken.

If you really want to thicken it to a more spreadable consistency, the easiest way is to heat it up with some thickeners such as cornstarch. Arrowroot flour is more delicate and taste-neutral, but most cooks won't have it. Unflavored gelatin may also be used. Bring the syrupy “jam” to boil in a pot.

Figs that are too ripe (insides oozing out), make for a bitter jam.

Served with cheese

Plump, fresh figs pair well with a wide variety of cheeses, from crumbly, sharp stilton to creamy brie.

What cheese is best with fig jam? ›

Havarti, a soft and creamy Danish-inspired cheese, pairs well with raspberry, strawberry, and fig jam. For a savory pairing, try it with onion jam or bacon jam.

Fig Jam and Cheese Plate

Serve it on the side of blue cheese, gorgonzola, goats cheese or atop brie and serve with crackers, fruit and charcuterie.

Black Madeira (Ficus carica 'Black Madeira') - Well regarded as the best tasting fig variety. A fig that most of you reading should try and go the extra step to grow. Fruit characteristics: A medium sized black skinned fig with a dark red colored flesh.

Coll de Dama - The "CDD" types are figs that just like the Black Madeira are very highly regarded unanimously by fig hobbyists in the flavor department.

Preserves are the closest thing to consuming whole fruit. They contain chunks of the actual fruit, making them richer in fiber and nutrients. As with jam, though, the sugar content can vary based on the brand or recipe. In terms of health benefits, preserves generally come out on top due to their whole fruit content.

Jam: Jam is made with mashed fruit. Preserves: Preserves have whole fruit or large pieces of fruit. Some fruits such as blackberries or raspberries will not stay whole during the processing so there may not be much difference between raspberry jam and raspberry preserve.

Fruit preserves are a lot like jam, but they're slightly thicker, thanks to the addition of large chunks or whole pieces of fruit instead of chopped, crushed, or puréed fruit. You'll usually find large bits of fruit suspended in preserves, as well as seeds, in many cases.