Old-Fashioned Fig Preserves
A nostalgic recipe for homemade fig preserves that captures the sweet, sticky goodness of ripe figs, perfect for spreading on toast or pairing with cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Fresh Figs (2 pounds)
- Granulated Sugar (2 cups)
- Lemon Juice (1/4 cup)
- Cinnamon Stick (1)
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
- Water (1 cup)
Instructions
- Prepare the figs: Start by rinsing the figs under cool water. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel. Next, remove the stems and cut the figs into quarters.
- Combine ingredients: In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine the chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Give everything a good stir!
- Cook the mixture: Set the pot over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. Lower the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the spices: When the figs are tender and thickening, add the cinnamon stick and vanilla extract.
- Check the consistency: Spoon a little onto a plate and let it cool for a minute. If it holds its shape, you’re golden!
- Jar the preserves: Remove the pot from heat and ladle the hot preserves into clean, sterilized jars, filling them to about 1/4 inch from the top.
- Cool and store: Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. Store them in the fridge or in a cool, dark place for up to a year!
Notes
Feel free to get creative with your fig preserves by adding spices or nuts. Each batch can be a unique creation based on what you have handy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: fig preserves, canning recipe, homemade preserves, sweet spreads, vintage recipe