Spiced Fig Preserves with Citrus Zest
Elevate your breakfast or snack with these delicious Spiced Fig Preserves, infused with the warmth of cinnamon or ginger and the brightness of fresh lemons. This recipe captures the essence of summer, allowing you to enjoy the rich taste of figs all year round. Figs are a staple ingredient in many cultures, especially in the Middle East and Africa, bringing a unique sweetness to both savory and sweet dishes. Perfect on toast, in desserts, or paired with cheese, this preserve embodies a delightful balance of flavors that can be enjoyed by everyone.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
firm ripe figs
4 lbs (washed and peeled)
sugar
4 1/2 lbs (as needed)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
lemons
2 (sliced)
whole cinnamon sticks or gingerroot
3-5 (whole)
Instructions
1
Begin by thoroughly washing the figs and peeling them. Once prepared, set them aside.
2
In a large non-reactive saucepan, combine the sugar and fresh lemon juice. Add just enough water to dissolve the sugar completely, stirring occasionally.
3
Add the prepared figs and sliced lemons to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
4
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Cook for approximately 45 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the figs from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5
If using, tie the cinnamon sticks or pieces of gingerroot in a cheesecloth bag and add them to the saucepan for extra flavor. Once the cooking time is complete, remove the bag using a slotted spoon. Alternatively, leave the spices in and remove as desired.
6
Continue to stir the mixture as it thickens, ensuring that it does not scorch.
7
Once the desired consistency is reached, pack the hot preserves into clean, sterilized jars, leaving a little headspace at the top. Seal the jars tightly.
8
Process the jars in a boiling water bath, submerging them for 5 minutes for half-pints and 10 minutes for pints to ensure proper sealing.
9
Remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool on a clean towel or wire rack. Enjoy your homemade spiced fig preserves within a year for the best flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Spiced Fig Preserves with Citrus Zest?
Spiced Fig Preserves are a sweet spread made from ripe figs, sugar, lemon juice, and warm spices like cinnamon or ginger, enhanced with fresh lemon slices.
What type of figs should I use for this recipe?
You should use 4 lbs of firm, ripe figs that have been thoroughly washed and peeled.
Do I need to peel the figs?
Yes, the recipe instructions specify that the figs should be peeled after washing for the best texture.
How much sugar is required for these preserves?
This recipe requires 4 1/2 lbs of sugar to ensure proper preservation and sweetness.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
Lemon juice provides the necessary acidity for safe canning and adds a bright flavor to balance the sweetness of the figs.
Can I use both cinnamon and ginger?
The recipe suggests using 3-5 whole cinnamon sticks or pieces of gingerroot, but you can experiment with a combination if you prefer.
How long do the figs need to cook?
The fig mixture should be cooked for approximately 45 minutes over medium heat until it reaches the desired consistency.
What type of pot should I use for cooking?
It is recommended to use a large non-reactive saucepan to prevent metallic flavors from leaching into the acidic preserves.
How do I prevent the preserves from scorching?
You should stir the mixture frequently, especially as it thickens, to prevent the figs from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
What is the purpose of the cheesecloth bag?
A cheesecloth bag is used to hold the cinnamon sticks or gingerroot, making it easy to remove the spices once the cooking is finished.
Should I leave the lemon slices in the preserves?
Yes, the sliced lemons are added to the mixture along with the figs and contribute to the final flavor and appearance.
How do I prepare the jars for canning?
Jars should be clean and sterilized before packing them with the hot fig preserves.
What is 'headspace' in canning?
Headspace is the empty space left at the top of the jar between the food and the lid, which allows for expansion during processing.
How long should I process half-pint jars?
Half-pint jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.
How long should I process pint jars?
Pint jars require 10 minutes of processing in a boiling water bath.
What is a boiling water bath?
A boiling water bath involves submerging filled and sealed jars in boiling water for a specific amount of time to ensure a shelf-stable seal.
How should I cool the jars after processing?
Remove the jars from the water and let them cool undisturbed on a clean towel or wire rack.
How long do these preserves last?
For the best flavor, homemade spiced fig preserves should be enjoyed within one year.
What can I serve with fig preserves?
They are excellent on toast, in various desserts, or paired with a variety of cheeses.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe consists of fruit, sugar, lemon, and spices, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Can I use frozen figs?
The recipe specifies firm ripe figs, but frozen figs can be used if thawed and drained, though the texture may vary slightly.
Do I need to add water to the recipe?
Add just enough water to the sugar and lemon juice mixture to dissolve the sugar completely before adding the fruit.
What is the origin of figs in cooking?
Figs are a staple in many cultures, particularly in Middle Eastern and African cuisines, where they are used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Can I leave the ginger in the jar?
Yes, the recipe notes that you can either remove the spices with the cheesecloth bag or leave them in the preserves as desired.
What if I don't have a cheesecloth?
If you don't have cheesecloth, you can add the whole spices directly and fish them out with a slotted spoon later.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: figs, sugar, lemon juice, fresh lemons, and cinnamon or ginger.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
Reducing sugar in preserves can affect the set and shelf stability; it is best to follow the recipe for canning purposes.
Should the figs be mashed or whole?
The recipe implies keeping the prepared figs whole or in large pieces as they cook down into a preserve consistency.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free.
Can I use a different citrus fruit?
While this recipe specifies lemons, other citrus like orange or lime could be used, though it will change the traditional flavor profile.