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    You are here: Home / Simple Sauces + Salsas / Homemade Fig Jam

    Published: Jul 14, 2021 · Modified: Jul 14, 2021 by Elizabeth Shaw · 22 Comments

    Homemade Fig Jam

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    Pinable image of homemade fig jam.
    Pinable image of homemade fig jam.
    Image of pinterest homemade fig jam.
    Pinable image of homemade fig jam.

    The search is over for a delicious, low added sugar spread to add to your morning toast! This Homemade Fig Jam with Chia Seeds is an omega-packed way to start your day!

    Image of 3 jars of homemade jam in a row.
    Jump to:
    • Why you Need to Makes this Homemade Jam Recipe with Figs
    • What you need to make this Fresh Fig Recipe
    • How to make Fig Jam with Fresh Fig:
    • Recipe Notes + Expert Tips
    • FAQs for this Fig Jam Recipe
    • Other Spread and Dip Recipes You May Enjoy
    • Homemade Fig Jam with Chia Seeds

    Why you Need to Makes this Homemade Jam Recipe with Figs

    Are you a fig fan?

    That’s a big yay over here! Figs are a naturally sweet powerhouse, meaning they’re the perfect fruit to use to make a deliciously sweet jam!

    Plus, this fresh fig jam is perfect on its own, but also a lovely addition to a spiced up gourmet cheese board!

    Is this jam healthy?

    Yes, absolutely!

    Not only is this recipe low in added sugar (or added sugar free), but it’s also packed with two superfoods: figs and chia seeds!

    Chia seeds have fiber too (yes, this is a fiber packed jam!) in addition to heart-healthy omega fats.

    Image of fresh figs.

    What you need to make this Fresh Fig Recipe

    Note card with ingredients listed and a picture of a cut fig.

    Ingredient Tips

    • Figs: Fresh figs ripen quickly (and are in season during June and August; more info on how to select figs here), so it’s best to buy them and use them in a day or two. But then again, if you have a plethora of figs, you can always whip up this delicious jam and freeze the extras to enjoy in fall!
    • Apple Juice: Be sure to use 100% apple juice that is free of added sugars!
    • Chia Seeds: Black or white chia seeds work for this recipe!
    • Cane sugar: Adding sugar is totally optional and depends on your preference for a more or less sweet jam.

    Ingredient Swaps

    • Vegan: To make this recipe vegan friendly, if you do add cane sugar, buying organic ensures it is a vegan product. You can also use coconut sugar or agave.
    • Apple Juice: If you like to get apple cider from your fresh fruit stand in season, go ahead and sub it in. However, ask your vendor if their cider is pasteurized. If not, before adding the 1/2 cup of cider to the boiled figs, bring to 160 degrees F (and maintain for one minute) in the microwave or on the stovetop to minimize pathogen potential!

    How to make Fig Jam with Fresh Fig:

    Start with the basics for this Homemade Fig Jam!

    Image of process of making fig jam.

    Slice figs in half, then assemble the other 3 ingredients! Yes, it’s that simple!

    Add figs, apple juice, and sugar to your Instant Pot or pot of boiling water.

    Image of process of making fig jam.

    After cooking, process in a blender or use an immersion blender to create a smooth consistency. Add in chia seeds. Then prepare the mason jars for canning!

    Recipe Notes + Expert Tips

    • The key to making fig jam is allowing yourself the patience to wait until it sets to enjoy it! Okay, and lots of love and a few simple kitchen tools (i.e., a medium stove-top pot, a blender or immersion blender, a whisk, or just an Instant Pot and a blender!)
      • If you’re wondering what an immersion blender is, it’s a simple handheld blender you can use inside the pot to prevent burning yourself from transferring a hot item to the actual blender. (But, you don’t need one to make this recipe! Your blender will work just fine!)
      • You will also want glass jars and metal lids so you can store the jam for safe keeping (and eating!) later!
    • The key to making a figgy jam that spreads and holds like a pectin based preserve or jam is to use those chia seeds.
    • Chia seeds when placed in liquid form a gel like consistency, helping the fig spread like a traditional store-bought jam or jelly.
      • Just look at the way the fig spread so perfectly on this toast!
    • Wondering what to serve this healthy jam on that’s not plain toast? Here are some ideas:
      • French Toast Bagels
      • Cornbread Muffins
      • Brown Sugar Tea Cookies
    Image of homemade fig jam on toast.

    This recipe is simple, delicious and pure, just what you want in a homemade goody.

    FAQs for this Fig Jam Recipe

    What are the health benefits of figs?

    Figs are nutrient dense, containing a wide variety of nutrients such as fiber, potassium, vitamin B6, manganese, pantothenic acid and copper. They’re a super food to indulge in, especially when they’re in season.

    When fresh, they’re very low in calories at only 30 calories per small fig. So if you’ve never had them before, give them a taste!

    Can this recipe be made with dried figs?

    Truthfully, I have not tried it! However, if it’s not fresh fig season and you’re adamant about making this homemade jam, I’d use 8 ounces of dried figs and follow the procedure as described. Avoid adding any additional sweetener as the sugars get concentrated when dried.

    Also, for dried figs, I’d be careful to make sure there are no added sugars. Oftentimes, Black Mission figs get treated with a sugar coating after drying so check those labels and other varieties like Turkish figs!

    Other Spread and Dip Recipes You May Enjoy

    • Sweet Hummus Recipe
    • Goat Cheese, Walnut and Date Appetizer with Autumn Glory Apples
    • Sugar Free Chocolate Spread

    If you try this recipe, would you please do me a favor and leave a star rating in the recipe box and/or comment below! This helps immensely in Google to continue delivering high quality content to you. And please be sure to tag and share what you made with me on social, I love seeing your creations! You can find me here: Instagram – Facebook – Pinterest!

    Image of 3 jars of homemade jam in a row.

    Homemade Fig Jam with Chia Seeds

    Savor the flavor of fresh figs by making a Homemade Fig Jam. Bonus, it’s perfect to pair on those sammies for back to school lunches!
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Share by Email
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 25 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 45 minutes
    Servings: 16 servings
    Calories: 42kcal
    Author: Liz Shaw

    Ingredients

    • 8 medium figs 12 ounces, halved
    • 1 cup + 1/2 cup 100% pure apple juice divided
    • 3 tablespoons chia seeds
    • 2 tbsp cane sugar optional

    Instructions

    • In a medium saucepan, bring 1 cup apple juice to a boil and add in fresh figs.
    • Boil for 15 minutes, covered.
    • Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes.
    • Using your immersion blender (or carefully with a regular blender), puree figs, using caution not to splatter the hot liquid onto your skin.
    • Pour pureed figs into a medium bowl or large mason jar with a lid. Add in the 1/2 cup apple juice, chia seeds, and sugar. Stir together with a spatula or shake mason jar vigorously with a lid. Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
    • Store jam in the refrigerator and use within 10 days for best quality.
    • Freeze extra jam for up to one month. Use defrosted jam within 7 days for best quality.

    Notes

    • To Prepare In the Instant Pot: Add figs and apple juice to the metal inner pot of the Instant Pot. Select pressure cook, set timer to 3 minutes, and secure lid and sealing valve. Let naturally release for 5 minutes, then use quick release. Continue with steps above to blend the figs and adding the remaining ingredients. 
    • To Can: Follow proper canning procedures, including sterilizing glass jars and sealing the jars. Use within 3 months of canning, and within 14 days of opening. 
    • Figs: Fresh figs ripen quickly (and are in season during June and August; more info on how to select figs here), so it’s best to buy them and use them in a day or two. But then again, if you have a plethora of figs, you can always whip up this delicious jam and freeze the extras to enjoy in fall!
    • Apple Juice: Be sure to use 100% apple juice that is free of added sugars!
    • Chia Seeds: Black or white chia seeds work for this recipe!
    • Cane sugar: Adding sugar is totally optional and depends on your preference for a more or less sweet jam.

      Nutrition Per Serving

      Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 83mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: -24g | Vitamin A: 36IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 24mg | Iron: 1mg
      Did You Make This? I’d Love to See It!Mention @shawsimpleswaps or tag #shawkitchen!

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      Reader Interactions

      Comments

      1. Holly says

        August 17, 2020 at 12:09 pm

        Hi there! Can I use the water canning method to seal the jars and store for long periods of time? Does the jam need to be refrigerated if it’s canned this way?

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 18, 2020 at 1:33 pm

          I have never tried this but I’m thinking maybe not since this jam doesn’t have pectin that helps with more of the long term shelf life too.

          Reply
      2. Claudine Guignard says

        August 05, 2020 at 3:06 pm

        Can I use Green Figs for this recipe ?

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 06, 2020 at 6:04 am

          I’ve never tried it with green figs, but you should be able to!

          Reply
      3. Anna felz says

        July 15, 2020 at 2:24 pm

        Is there anything I can sub if I dont have apple juice?

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          July 21, 2020 at 8:29 am

          If you are OK with a little added sugar, you can use a simple sugar solution that is boiled water with cane sugar!

          Reply
      4. Kara Lydon says

        September 19, 2019 at 5:13 am

        5 stars
        Yum! Such an easy way to use up extra figs.

        Reply
      5. Lorie says

        August 03, 2018 at 6:20 pm

        5 stars
        I just had a fig jam for the first time in forever at a party last week so now I have been craving it like crazy. This is exactly what I needed!

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 19, 2018 at 1:03 pm

          It’s so good right?!

          Reply
          • Carolyn Woodbury says

            September 20, 2019 at 8:11 pm

            Have you tried to double recipe? will it jell?

          • Elizabeth Shaw says

            September 22, 2019 at 12:52 pm

            I have not, however if you notice it’s not quite as thick as you’d like it to be, you can always add a 1/2 teaspoon of chia seeds at a time. It will get thicker with more chia as they will absorb the liquid.

      6. Meme says

        August 03, 2018 at 12:12 pm

        5 stars
        I have never had fresh figs before so this is a perfect recipe for me! I will be able to add this to my toast in the morning to change up my breakfast this week!

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 19, 2018 at 1:04 pm

          WOOHOO! LMK if you make them!

          Reply
      7. Emily says

        August 02, 2018 at 5:51 am

        5 stars
        Honestly I have never had a real fresh fig before, only dried! Now I need to go get some to make this, it looks amazing!

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 19, 2018 at 1:06 pm

          You totally have to!

          Reply
      8. Lindsey says

        July 30, 2018 at 8:47 am

        5 stars
        Just saw this recipe on Pinterest and it looks perfect! I need to stock up on chia seeds and get some figs asap!

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          July 30, 2018 at 1:38 pm

          Awe thanks Linds!!! I seriously love a good chia jam!

          Reply
      9. Sara @sarahaasrdn.com says

        August 19, 2016 at 12:44 pm

        So beautiful! I wish I had some!!!!

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 20, 2016 at 10:11 am

          THanks Sara!!

          Reply
      10. All That I'm Eating says

        August 16, 2016 at 8:08 am

        This is such a good idea and a really good way to make figs last longer than just summer.

        Reply
        • Elizabeth Shaw says

          August 20, 2016 at 10:11 am

          Thanks!! I love the fresh figs, toO!

          Reply

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