Fresh figs are a delightful late summer treat. Eaten right off the bush, they are sweet goodness. Fig lovers can"t get enough of fresh figs. The season is short, and ripe figs don't keep more than a day or two, maybe a little longer in the refrigerator. This easy recipe for fig preserves captures fig flavor for use all year. Tastier and sweeter than dried figs, fig preserves are versatile and easy to use.
Fig Preserve Recipe
This recipe is very easy and fast, but does require two nights in the refrigerator before sealing into jars. It produces about 7 pints. The recipe can be halved if desired.
- 4 Quarts fresh figs
- 5 lbs. sugar
- 3 lemons, sliced
- 4-5 cinnamon sticks
- 8 to 10 thin slices of fresh ginger
Steps to Perfect Fig Preserves
- Clean the figs thoroughly. If they are small, remove the stems and cut them in half, large figs can be cut into quarters.
- Put a layer of sugar in the bottom of a stockpot with a good, heavy bottom. Put a layer if figs on top of the sugar.
- Continue layering sugar and figs, ending with sugar, make sure all of the figs are covered in sugar.
- Place in the refrigerator overnight.
- The next day, place the pot on the stove, and very slowly heat until the sugar has all turned to liquid. Add the lemons, cinnamon sticks, and fresh ginger.
- Boil, stirring now and again until the mixture is thick, being careful not to let it burn.
- Remove from heat, and let it cool. The next step assures perfect consistency.
- Place in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, when it is cold from the refrigerator, the consistency can be adjusted. If it is thicker than you like, thin it with just a little water at a time, stirring it in until it is the right consistency when it is cold. If it's chunkier than you like, just use a pair of kitchen scissors in the pot to cut the pieces smaller. If it's not thick enough, it can be boiled down some more.
- Return the mixture to a boil, and pack into clean jars. Carefully clean the rims of the jars with wet paper towels, and seal.
Fig Preserves Aren't Just for Breakfast
For a quick dessert, spread fig preserves onto a slice of pound cake, top with ice cream, and enjoy. Use fig preserves as a cake filling between layers. Just as fresh figs are good with prosciutto, so are fig preserves. Spread preserves onto a cracker, and top with prosciutto or thinly sliced salty ham, and Irish cheddar cheese.
Fig lovers can have their fig preserves to keep them happy until the next crop of fresh figs.
Corinne Shibley - Corinne Shibley studied sculpture in art history and created her own sculpture on the way to a B.A. in Studio Art. "There's something ...
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