Balsamic Fig Jam

This tasty, sweet-and-savory spread is great on crackers, toast, biscuits or scones.

Share this
Serves: 4
Print

Balsamic vinegar cuts the sweetness of figs for a preserve that’s perfect with cream cheese or atop tofu steaks.

Makes 4 half-pint jars

What you need:

1½ pounds ripe figs, chopped
3 cups evaporated cane juice
1 cup apple juice
½ cup fresh lemon juice
½ cup balsamic vinegar

What you do:

  1. In a large pot with a tight-fitting lid, place all ingredients and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight.
  2. Uncover, stir, and place pot on stove over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally. Use a potato masher to break up any remaining large pieces of fig, then remove from heat.
  3. Ladle preserves into sterilized half-pint jars, allowing ½-inch space at the top. Wipe off any excess jam with a clean towel, top with lid, and tighten rings.
  4. Using canning tongs, place sealed jars onto rack in canning pot-bath, making sure that jars are covered by at least 2 inches of water. Boil for 10 minutes, then carefully remove each jar and place it in a safe place to cool overnight.
  5. Once cool, check to make sure lids are sealed by pressing top of center of lid. If it makes a popping sound, then it is not sealed. Once lids are sealed, loosen rings and dry off any excess moisture. Replace rings and apply a label or tie on a gift tag.

Chef’s Tip: New to canning? Check out this easy guide to canning preserves.