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Flavorful Fig Jam Recipe with Honey and Fresh Thyme

flavorful fig jam - featured image

A quick and easy homemade fig jam that balances the sweetness of honey with the earthy notes of fresh thyme, perfect for spreading on toast or serving with cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh figs (about 900 g), ripe but firm
  • ½ cup honey (120 ml), preferably local wildflower honey
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves stripped and roughly chopped (reserve a few whole sprigs for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (30 ml)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (50 g), optional
  • ¼ cup water (60 ml)
  • 1 tablespoon pectin (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 pounds (900 g) of fresh figs gently to remove any dirt. Cut off the stems and chop figs into quarters. (10 minutes)
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the chopped figs, ½ cup (120 ml) honey, ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar if using, ¼ cup (60 ml) water, and 2 tablespoons (30 ml) fresh lemon juice. Add the chopped thyme leaves, reserving a few sprigs for garnish or infusion if preferred.
  3. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low to maintain a simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking, especially as the figs start breaking down. (20-30 minutes)
  4. After about 25 minutes, test the jam’s thickness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s done. For a firmer jam, stir in 1 tablespoon of pectin and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
  5. Remove whole thyme sprigs if infused. Taste the jam and adjust sweetness or acidity if needed by adding more honey or lemon juice.
  6. Pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving ¼ inch (0.6 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids. Let cool at room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even cooking. Use the cold plate test to check jam set. Fresh thyme is preferred over dried for best flavor. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar. Store refrigerated up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, homemade jam, honey fig jam, fresh thyme jam, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves, brunch spread