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Best Easy Small-Batch Fig Honey Jam Recipe

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A simple, small-batch fig jam made with honey instead of sugar, perfect for gifting or enjoying on toast, cheese boards, and more. This happy accident turned into a beloved recipe that comes together in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (about 450g) fresh figs (Black Mission, Brown Turkey, or Kadota), stems removed and quartered
  • 1/3 cup (about 115g) mild honey (such as orange blossom or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Pinch of fine sea salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the figs: Rinse figs gently, pat dry, remove stems, and cut into quarters or sixths. Aim for uniform pieces.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped figs, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Stir well. Let sit for 5 minutes if time allows.
  3. Start cooking: Place pot over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently. After about 5 minutes, figs will soften and release liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low if boiling too vigorously.
  4. Mash and simmer: Once figs are soft (about 10 minutes), use a potato masher or fork to mash to desired consistency. Continue simmering on low heat, stirring occasionally, until jam thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 10-15 more minutes). It should be slightly looser than desired as it will thicken upon cooling.
  5. Add vanilla and adjust seasoning: Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract if using. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity with extra lemon juice or honey as needed.
  6. Cool and jar: Let jam cool in pot for 5 minutes. Transfer to a sterilized 12-ounce (350ml) glass jar, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim, screw on lid, and let cool completely at room temperature.

Notes

This jam is not shelf-stable due to low sugar content; store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave. For a spiced version, add 1/2 tsp cinnamon, 1/4 tsp cardamom, and a pinch of cloves. For a savory twist, add a sprig of fresh rosemary while simmering. Use the cold plate test to check doneness: place a small spoonful on a frozen plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, honey jam, small batch jam, fig recipe, homemade jam, easy jam, no pectin jam, fig honey jam

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/best-easy-small-batch-fig-honey-jam-recipe/