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Perfect Spiced Fig Jam Recipe with Orange Zest and Vanilla for Easy Canning

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A rich and fragrant spiced fig jam with bright orange zest and warm vanilla, perfect for canning and gifting. This easy recipe balances sweetness and spice for a comforting autumn treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh figs, ripe but firm
  • 2 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • ¼ cup fresh orange juice
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup water

Instructions

  1. Rinse and dry the figs gently. Remove the stems and chop the figs into quarters or smaller chunks (about 1-inch pieces).
  2. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped figs, sugar, orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, vanilla seeds and pod, cinnamon, cloves, and water. Stir well and let sit for 30 minutes to macerate.
  3. Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring occasionally. Skim off any foam that forms on top. Cook for about 40 minutes.
  5. Test jam consistency by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate and tilting it. If the jam wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it is done; if it runs, continue simmering and test every 5 minutes.
  6. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
  7. Ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass canning jars, leaving about ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids on top, and screw on bands fingertip-tight.
  8. Process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes, ensuring jars are covered by at least 1 inch of water.
  9. Remove jars and let cool completely on a towel or rack until lids seal with a popping sound.

Notes

Sterilize jars properly to avoid mold. Stir frequently during cooking to prevent scorching. Use fresh citrus zest and juice for brightness. Test jam set with chilled plate method. Store jars upright in a cool, dark place for up to a year. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 weeks. Variations include adding cayenne for spice or bourbon for an adult twist.

Nutrition

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