Fresh Fig Freezer Jam Recipes

HOMEMADE FRESH FIG JAM

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the figs, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat, stirring constantly. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
• While figs are cooking, prepare the jars and lids. Put the glass jars in a boiling water canner about half-filled with water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and keep jars in the water.
• Put water in a separate saucepan, bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and add the jar lids. Keep in the hot water until ready to use. Do not boil.
• After cooking the fig mixture for 1 hour, attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the tip of the thermometer doesn't touch the pan's bottom, and continue simmering, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens. When the mixture gets quite thick, begin to stir constantly to keep it from scorching.
• Cook to 220 F and remove from the heat. Or, test a small amount on a very cold saucer by putting the saucer in the freezer for a few minutes, adding a little of the fig mixture on it, and returning the saucer to the freezer for one minute. When a good gel stage is reached (220 F), the surface of the fruit mixture will wrinkle slightly when pushed with a finger or teaspoon.
• Fill the prepared jars with the hot fig jam mixture, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims and threads with a wet paper towel. Place the lids on the jars using tongs or a jar magnet then screw on the rings.
• Place the jars on a rack in the hot water inside of the canner. Lower into the water and add enough hot or boiling water to bring the water level to 1 to 2 inches above the jars. Bring jars to a boil for 10 minutes.
• Using canning tongs, remove the jars and place them on top of a clean towel on a flat work surface. Listen for a popping sound, which indicates a good seal, and tighten the rings.
• Let the jars cool to room temperature and store in a cool, dry, dark place.

FRESH FIG FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• Mix sugar and figs together in a large glass or plastic bowl; set aside for sugar to slightly dissolve, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
• Stir lemon juice and pectin together in a glass or plastic bowl. Stir lemon juice mixture into fig mixture until sugar is fully dissolved. Pour fig mixture into sterilized plastic canning containers, leaving 1/4 inch at the top. Cover containers and refrigerate or freeze.

FREEZER FRESH FIG JAM

Steps:

• Place figs in pot and add the sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon and salt.
• Combine ingredients and begin mashing them using a potato masher or fork. They should mash quite easily if they are ripe. (You can also use a blender) Leaving little chunks is nice to give the jam more interest.
• Turn heat to medium high and bring to a strong simmer. Stir occasionally.
• Cover the pot and turn the heat down so that the fig mixture simmers steadily for 1 hour.
• Give the mixture an occasional stir and make sure it does not burn or scorch. This is especially important in the last 1/2 hour. You'll see it begin to thicken.
• After an hour, remove the cover and cook for another 5-10 minutes or until the jam is thick.
• Cool completely - it will continue to thicken as it cools.
• Fill your containers and freeze the ones you want to use later.

MCP FIG FREEZER JAM

Steps:

• Rinse clean plastic containers and lids with boiling water. Dry thoroughly.
• Remove and discard fig stems; finely chop figs. Measure exactly 3 cups prepared fruit into large bowl. Add lemon juice; mix well.
• Stir pectin into prepared fruit in bowl. Let stand 30 min., stirring every 5 min. Gradually add sugar, stirring after each addition until well blended. Stir additional 3 min. or until most of the sugar is dissolved and no longer grainy. (A few sugar crystals may remain.)
• Fill all containers immediately to within 1/2 inch of tops. Wipe off top edges of containers; immediately cover with lids. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours. Jam is now ready to use. Store in refrigerator up to 3 weeks or freeze extra containers up to 1 year. If frozen, thaw in refrigerator before using.