If you’re a fan of sweet and spicy flavours, then fig and ginger jam is the perfect recipe for you! This unique jam combines the rich sweetness of figs with the zesty kick of fresh ginger, resulting in a delicious spread that can be enjoyed on toast, crackers, or even as a glaze for meats.
Not only is it a tasty addition to any cupboard, but it’s also incredibly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. So let’s dive into this recipe and learn how to make your own batch of fig and ginger jam!
Give this homemade jam a try
Making your own jam allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavour to your liking. You can adjust the sweetness, and spice level, and even add other ingredients like lemon juice or cinnamon for a unique twist.
Homemade jam is often healthier than store-bought versions because it has fewer artificial preservatives and additives.
And lastly, making homemade jam is a fun and rewarding activity that can be shared with friends and family. The natural complement from the ginger really makes this fig jam special.
It’s also a great way to use up any excess fruits before they go bad, reducing food waste in your home.
The making of ginger and fig jam
Making fig and ginger jam is a relatively simple process that involves just a few steps.
First, you’ll need to wash and chop your figs and fresh ginger into small pieces. Then, combine them in a large pot with sugar and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about an hour or until the mixture has thickened into a jam-like consistency.
Finally, remove from heat and let cool before storing in an airtight container.
And that’s it! With just a little bit of time and effort, you can enjoy this delicious homemade fig and ginger jam anytime you like.
TIPS to get the best result
1. Choose ripe figs for the best flavour
The figs should be soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Avoid too soft figs or ones with significant bruises or blemishes. This recipe does not work with dried figs.
2. Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger.
For a fresher, more intense and more complex flavour.
3. Be patient when cooking your jam
It’s important to let it simmer slowly, and stirred often, to ensure that it thickens properly without burning.
4. Season to turn up the flavour volume
Consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance out the sweetness and add depth of flavour.
5. A smooth spread
Use an immersion blender to break up the figs and ginger for a smoother jam result. This jam leans towards a deliciously thick, soft result anyway.
With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious fig and ginger jam that will impress even the most discerning taste buds!
A few suggestions for personalising your fig and ginger creation
Spice it up
While ginger is a classic addition to fig jam, there’s no reason why you can’t mix things up by adding other spices as well. For example, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom would all pair well with the sweetness of figs and add a lovely warmth to the jam.
Fruit pairing
While figs are delicious on their own, they also play well with other fruits. Consider adding chopped apples, pears, or plums to your jam for an extra burst of flavour and texture.
More savoury notes
If you prefer your jams less sweet, consider adding some savoury elements to balance out the flavours.
A splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can add depth and complexity to the jam without making it overly sweet. Alternatively, try adding some finely chopped onion or garlic for a truly unique flavour combination.
Add some dried or candied fruits or nuts
While many of our favourite dried fruits will work here, I like to add either dried cranberries or black currants as their tart flavour adds a welcome contrast to the sweet fig jam. Pieces of crystallised ginger or some chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) elevate the experience of this jam.
By customizing your fig and ginger jam in these ways (or any others that inspire you), you’ll be able to create a one-of-a-kind spread that perfectly suits your taste buds!
A few ways to enjoy and use fig and ginger jam
Fig and ginger jam is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways to add flavour and sweetness to your meals.
- Spread it on toast
This is perhaps the most classic way to enjoy fig and ginger jam – simply spread it on a piece of toast for a delicious breakfast or snack. You can also try it on bagels, English muffins, or croissants.
And I challenge you to try some in a toasted cheese sandwich – It takes this simple comfort food and makes it luxury food!
- Use it as a glaze:
Fig and ginger jam makes an excellent glaze for meats such as pork or chicken. Simply brush the jam onto the meat before baking or grilling for added flavour and moisture.
You can also stir some jam through steamed vegetables for something a bit different.
- Mix it into yoghurt:
For a healthy and flavorful breakfast or snack, mix some fig and ginger jam into plain yoghurt. Top with granola or fresh fruit for added texture.
- Pair it with cheese:
Fig jam is a classic accompaniment to cheese, particularly soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese. Serve with crackers or bread for an easy appetizer that’s sure to
impress.
- Add fig-citement to cakes and desserts
Stir some of this jam through a plain vanilla cake batter; or use it as a filling in sandwich cakes or the middle of cupcakes. With ice-cream, or the base of a cooked pudding or a dollop added to a complimentary fruit pie filling, or a fruit salad.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet breakfast treat, a savoury dinner addition, or a party-ready appetizer, fig and ginger jam has got you covered!
This is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be enjoyed in many different ways. It adds a unique sweetness and warmth to any dish. By experimenting with different spices and fruits, you can customize the flavour of your fig and ginger jam to suit your taste preferences. So why not try making a homemade batch of this delicious jam today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Fig and Ginger Jam Recipe
Equipment
- Kitchen scales
- Chopping board and knife
- Preserving pan or large saucepan
- Long-handled spoon for stirring
- Ladle
- Jam Funnel
- Clean, sterilised glass jars with sealable lids
Ingredients
- 500 g figs
- 2 medium lemons
- 25 g ginger minced/grated
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Wash the figs, lemons and ginger and allow them to drain.
- Remove the stems of the figs and cut each fig into quarter pieces.
- Peel and grate/mince the ginger.
- Zest the lemons and then juice them
- Add the figs, ginger, lemon zest and juice, and sugar to the preserving pan and stir well.
- Set the pan aside to allow the mixture to macerate and meld for at least 1 hour. The sugar should dissolve by this time.
- Add the water.
- Then stir well again and turn on the heat bringing the mixture to a boil. Stir constantly to prevent burning. (figs have a low moisture content so are prone to scorching).
- Once it starts boiling, turn the heat down to achieve a simmer.
- Let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally.Your aim is for the figs to have become soft, and that the liquid component has lessened and thickened.
- As with other jams you could use a thermometer and/or test the set on a cold plate. But the figs breaking down and working with the lemons produces a thick result anyway. So once suitably thickened, it's ready.
- Just before finishing the cooking phase, add the teaspoon of vanilla extract and stir through.
- Set the pan aside, off the heat, for a few minutes. Line up your sterilized jars.Ladle the jam into the jars and seal them with their lids.
- Allow the jars of fig jam to cool completely at room temperature. Then label them and store them in a cool dark place for up to 3 months.
Notes
TIPS to get the best result
1. Choose ripe figs for the best flavour
The figs should be soft to the touch and have a sweet aroma. Avoid too soft figs or ones with significant bruises or blemishes. This recipe does not work with dried figs.2. Use fresh ginger instead of ground ginger.
For a fresher, more intense and more complex flavour.3. Be patient when cooking your jam
It’s important to let it simmer slowly, and stirred often, to ensure that it thickens properly without burning.4. Season to turn up the flavour volume
Consider adding a pinch of salt or a splash of balsamic vinegar to balance out the sweetness and add depth of flavour.5. A smooth spread
Use an immersion blender to break up the figs and ginger for a smoother jam result. This jam leans towards a deliciously thick, soft result anyway. With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to making a delicious fig and ginger jam that will impress even the most discerning taste buds!A few suggestions for personalising your fig and ginger creation
Spice it up
While ginger is a classic addition to fig jam, there’s no reason why you can’t mix things up by adding other spices as well. For example, cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom would all pair well with the sweetness of figs and add a lovely warmth to the jam.Fruit pairing
While figs are delicious on their own, they also play well with other fruits. Consider adding chopped apples, pears, or plums to your jam for an extra burst of flavour and texture.More savoury notes
If you prefer your jams less sweet, consider adding some savoury elements to balance out the flavours. A splash of balsamic vinegar or soy sauce can add depth and complexity to the jam without making it overly sweet. Alternatively, try adding some finely chopped onion or garlic for a truly unique flavour combination.Add some dried or candied fruits or nuts
While many of our favourite dried fruits will work here, I like to add either dried cranberries or black currants as their tart flavour adds a welcome contrast to the sweet fig jam. Pieces of crystallised ginger or some chopped nuts (almonds or walnuts) elevate the experience of this jam. By customizing your fig and ginger jam in these ways (or any others that inspire you), you’ll be able to create a one-of-a-kind spread that perfectly suits your taste buds!A few ways to enjoy and use fig and ginger jam
Fig and ginger jam is a versatile condiment that can be used in many different ways to add flavour and sweetness to your meals.- Spread it on toast
- Use it as a glaze:
- Mix it into yoghurt:
- Pair it with cheese:
- Add fig-citement to cakes and desserts
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
All nutritional information is an estimate only, based on third-party calculations derived from an online nutritional calculator, Spoonacular API. The data provided is a courtesy and should not be considered a guarantee or fact. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients and brands you use, your measuring methods and portion sizes. For accurate results, we recommend that you calculate the nutritional information yourself, using a preferred nutritional calculator or advice from a nutritionist, based on your ingredients and individual processes.