Sweet Southern Fig Preserves
These Sweet Southern Fig Preserves capture the essence of summer in every bite, reminiscent of classic family recipes. Passed down through generations, this delightful preserve combines the natural sweetness of ripe figs with the tartness of fresh lemon juice, creating a well-balanced treat that is perfect for spreading on biscuits, drizzling over pancakes, or even using as a filling for cakes. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply looking to add a touch of southern charm to your pantry, this recipe celebrates the rich tradition of jam-making that has been cherished in Southern kitchens for years. Plus, it makes fantastic gifts for friends and family who appreciate homemade goodness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Whole Figs
7 cups (Fresh, stems removed and washed)
Sugar
3 cups (Granulated)
Lemon
1 (Juiced)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the figs thoroughly under cold water. Remove the stems and cut any large figs in half.
2
In a large saucepan, combine the cleaned figs, sugar, and fresh lemon juice. Stir the mixture well to ensure the figs are coated with the sugar.
3
Place the saucepan over medium heat, and allow it to cook, stirring frequently. The sugar will dissolve and create a syrup around the figs. Continue cooking until the mixture reaches the soft-ball stage (around 234°F or 112°C) on a candy thermometer, which usually takes about 20-30 minutes.
4
Once the desired thickness is achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit for a few minutes.
5
Using a ladle, carefully pour the hot fig mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
6
Seal the jars with sterilized lids and rings. Allow them to cool to room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place.
7
These fig preserves can be enjoyed immediately but will taste even better after a few days in the jar. They can also be used to enhance homemade jam cakes or served alongside cheese for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Sweet Southern Fig Preserves?
Sweet Southern Fig Preserves are a traditional fruit spread made by simmering fresh figs with sugar and lemon juice until they reach a thick, syrupy consistency.
What kind of figs should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for fresh whole figs. Popular Southern varieties like Celeste or Brown Turkey work excellently for preserves.
Do I need to peel the figs?
No, the skins of the figs should be left on. Simply wash them and remove the stems before cooking.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
This recipe is very simple and requires only three ingredients: whole figs, granulated sugar, and fresh lemon juice.
Why is lemon juice included in the recipe?
Lemon juice provides acidity to balance the sweetness of the sugar and figs, and it also contains natural pectin which helps the preserves set.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, bottled lemon juice can be used, though fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor profile.
How much sugar is required for 7 cups of figs?
This recipe requires 3 cups of granulated sugar to properly preserve 7 cups of fresh figs.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
Sugar acts as a preservative and helps the jam set. While you can reduce it slightly, it may affect the shelf life and the final consistency.
How do I prepare the figs for cooking?
Wash the figs under cold water, remove the stems, and cut any particularly large figs in half to ensure even cooking.
What temperature should the preserves reach?
The mixture should reach the soft-ball stage, which is approximately 234°F or 112°C on a candy thermometer.
How long does the cooking process take?
Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is simmering, it usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the desired thickness.
What is the 'soft-ball stage'?
The soft-ball stage is a specific temperature range for sugar syrups where a small amount dropped into cold water forms a soft, flexible ball.
Is a candy thermometer required for this recipe?
While a candy thermometer is the most accurate way to check for the soft-ball stage, you can also judge the readiness by the thickness of the syrup.
How much headspace should I leave in the canning jars?
You should leave approximately 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of the jars to allow for proper sealing.
Do the jars and lids need to be sterilized?
Yes, for safe long-term storage, always use sterilized jars, lids, and rings when canning preserves.
How should I store these fig preserves?
Once cooled and sealed, store the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry.
How long do the preserves need to sit before eating?
While they can be eaten immediately, the flavor often improves after the preserves have sat in the jar for a few days.
Can I freeze these preserves instead of canning them?
Yes, you can store the preserves in freezer-safe containers, but be sure to leave extra headspace as the liquid will expand when frozen.
What can I do if my preserves are too runny?
If the preserves are too thin, you can return them to the heat and simmer them longer to evaporate more moisture.
What should I do if the preserves are too thick?
If the mixture becomes too thick, you can stir in a small amount of boiling water or extra lemon juice to reach your desired consistency.
Can I add spices like cinnamon to this recipe?
Yes, adding a cinnamon stick or a pinch of ground ginger can provide a delicious warm flavor to the fig preserves.
Can I use dried figs for this recipe?
This specific recipe is designed for fresh figs. Dried figs have a different moisture content and would require a different preparation method.
Are Sweet Southern Fig Preserves gluten-free?
Yes, figs, sugar, and lemon juice are all naturally gluten-free ingredients.
What are some ways to serve fig preserves?
They are delicious on biscuits, toast, or pancakes, and also pair perfectly with goat cheese or brie as an appetizer.
Can I use these preserves in other recipes?
Yes, they are commonly used as a filling for traditional Southern jam cakes or as a topping for vanilla ice cream.
What if I don't have a fresh lemon?
You can substitute the lemon juice with an equal amount of lime juice or a half-teaspoon of citric acid if necessary.
Why do I need to stir the mixture frequently?
Stirring frequently prevents the sugar from burning or sticking to the bottom of the saucepan as the syrup thickens.
Should I use a specific type of saucepan?
A heavy-bottomed large saucepan is best as it distributes heat more evenly and prevents the sugar from scorching.
Is this recipe suitable for gifting?
Absolutely! Homemade preserves in decorated jars make fantastic and thoughtful gifts for friends and family.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but keep in mind that a larger volume may take longer to reach the soft-ball stage.