Homemade Vegan Fig Jam – A Delicious and Nutritious Spread

Figs are one of the most popular fruits, and their sweet and succulent taste makes them a favorite among people of all ages. They are a great source of vitamins and minerals and are believed to have a number of health benefits. Figs can be enjoyed in many ways, but one of the most popular ways to enjoy them is by making homemade vegan fig jams. There’s something special about homemade jam. Whether it’s spread on toast, stirred into yogurt, or used as a glaze for baked goods, homemade jam is a delicious and versatile addition to your pantry. And if you’re a fan of figs, homemade fig jam is a must-try.

In this blog post, we will explore the many benefits of homemade fig jam and provide some tips and tricks for making the perfect batch. From the health benefits of figs to the challenges of making jam, we’ll cover everything you need to know to create delicious and satisfying vegan homemade fig jam.

What is Fig Jam?

Fig jam is a type of jam made from fresh figs. It’s a sweet and slightly tangy spread that can be used in a variety of ways. Unlike some other types of jam, fig jam tends to be less sweet and more complex in flavor, thanks to the natural sweetness of the figs and the addition of lemon juice or other acidic ingredients.

Fig jam can be made with just a few simple ingredients, including fresh figs, sugar, and lemon juice. Some recipes also call for spices like cinnamon or cloves to add additional depth of flavor. And while fig jam is delicious on its own, it can also be combined with other fruits or flavors to create unique blends.

Benefits of Homemade Fig Jam

One of the biggest benefits of making your own homemade, vegan fig jam is that you get to control the quality of the ingredients. When you buy jam from the store, you never know what kind of additives or preservatives may have been used. Making your own jam ensures that you know exactly what’s in it and that it’s made with high-quality, fresh ingredients. Also, you can experiment with different flavors and textures. For example, you can add spices such as cinnamon or ginger to give the jam a warm and spicy flavor. You can also add nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to give the jam a crunchy texture. This makes the jam more interesting and flavorful and can be a great way to add some variations to your meals.

Preserving nutrients

Another benefit of making your own fig jam is that it’s a great way to preserve the nutrients of fresh figs. Figs are loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. When you make your own jam, you get to preserve all of these nutrients in a delicious and easy-to-use form. In addition to being nutritious, figs are also a great source of antioxidants. Antioxidants are important for maintaining good health because they help to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. By making your own fig jam, you can ensure that you’re getting a healthy dose of antioxidants with every spoonful.

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Making homemade fig jam can be challenging, especially for beginners. One of the biggest challenges is getting the consistency right. If the jam is too thick, it can be difficult to spread, while if it is too thin, it can be runny and messy.

The best tip to check if your homemade fig jam has the right consistency is the “plate test.”

Here are the steps: (See picture below)

1. Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes until it’s very cold.
2. After the jam has cooked for the appropriate amount of time, remove it from the heat.
3. Take a spoonful of the hot jam and drop it onto the cold plate.
4. Wait a few seconds for the jam to cool, and then run your finger through it. If the jam wrinkles and holds its shape, it has reached the right consistency.
5. If the jam is still too runny, continue cooking it and do the plate test again in a few minutes.

Another challenge is getting the right balance of sweetness and acidity. Figs are naturally sweet, but they also have a tart flavor that can be overpowering if not balanced correctly. This requires some experimentation and trial and error, which can be time-consuming. Luckily for you, we’ve gone through some of those trials and errors and we’re ready to share what we’ve learned so far 😉

• Despite the challenges, making homemade fig jam can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you make the perfect fig jam:
• Use ripe figs: Make sure to use ripe figs for your jam. Ripe figs are sweeter and softer and will give your jam a better flavor and texture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed pot: Use a heavy-bottomed pot to cook your jam. This will help to distribute the heat evenly and prevent the jam from burning.
• Add lemon juice: Add a little lemon juice to your jam to help balance the sweetness and acidity.
• Sterilize your jars: Sterilize your jars before filling them with jam. You can skip this step if you’re making jam for a party or get-together. Chances are big that there won’t be any jam left at the end of the party. If you’re planning to make a big batch for weeks, then this step is a must. Sterilizing jars for homemade jam is an important step in the canning process to ensure that the jam stays safe to eat and free from harmful bacteria.

Here’s how you can sterilize your jars

1. Start by washing the jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly to remove any soap residue.
2. Place the jars and lids in a large pot and cover them with water. Make sure the water covers the jars by at least an inch.
3. Bring the water to a boil and let the jars and lids boil for 10 minutes to sterilize them.
4. Using tongs, carefully remove the jars and lids from the boiling water and place them on a clean towel to dry. Be sure to handle the jars and lids carefully to avoid contamination.
5. Fill the jars with your homemade jam while they are still hot. The heat of the jar will help create a vacuum seal when the jars cool, which will help preserve the jam.
6. Once the jars are filled, wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth to remove any traces of jam.
7. Place the lids on the jars and tighten the rings until they are snug but not too tight.
8. To finish, place the filled jars back in the pot of boiling water for 10 minutes to complete the sealing process. Remove the jars from the water and let them cool completely before storing them in a cool, dry place.

By following these steps, you should be able to sterilize your jars properly and safely store your homemade jam.

While fig jam is delicious on its own, there are many creative ways to enjoy it beyond just spreading it on toast. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. Charcuterie board: Fig jam is a perfect addition to any charcuterie board. Spread it on crackers or baguette slices and pair it with cheese, cured meats (if you’re not vegan), falafel, and other savory snacks.
2. Glaze for meat (if you’re not vegan): Fig jam can be used as a glaze for meats like chicken, pork, or lamb. Simply brush the jam onto the meat during the last few minutes of cooking to add a sweet and tangy flavor.
3. Yogurt topping: Stir fig jam into your favorite yogurt for a sweet and fruity topping. Top with granola or nuts for added texture.
4. Cocktail mixer: Alcohol is not something we drink often, but when we do, we make sure to make it extra! Did you know that fig jam can be used as a mixer for cocktails? Try adding a spoonful to a gin and tonic or using it to sweeten a whiskey sour.
5. Ice cream topping: Drizzle fig jam over vanilla ice cream for a sweet and fruity dessert. Do not limit yourself to only ice cream though. Think of cakes, cookies, or muffins as well. Yum!

Homemade vegan fig jam is a delicious and versatile addition to any pantry. Whether you enjoy it on toast or get creative with new ways to enjoy it, fig jam is a must-try for any foodie. By making your own fig jam at home, you can enjoy the freshness and nutritional benefits of fresh figs in a convenient and delicious form.

Remember that food is not the enemy. Food should not be earned and you are allowed to enjoy food and still be healthy. If you need help with your nutrition journey, please remember we have an amazing nutritionist that can help you make healthy choices without depriving yourself of the things you like.

Happy baking and don’t forget to tag us on Instagram (@fitqueens_wellness) or on Facebook (@fitqueens.wellness)

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