Description
Vanilla Bean Fig Jam is a luxurious, small-batch preserve that combines ripe figs with the warm floral notes of real vanilla bean. With a balanced sweetness and rich texture, it’s perfect for spreading, gifting, or pairing with cheese and desserts.
Ingredients
- 900 g fresh ripe figs, stems removed and chopped (about 2 lb)
- 500 g granulated sugar (2½ cups)
- 60 ml fresh lemon juice (¼ cup)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 vanilla bean, split lengthwise, seeds scraped
- 120 ml water (½ cup)
Instructions
- Place chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water into a large saucepan.
- Add vanilla bean seeds and the pod. Stir gently to combine.
- Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 20 minutes to macerate.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 35–45 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Remove and discard the vanilla pod.
- For a smoother texture, mash or blend with an immersion blender to desired consistency.
- Test doneness by spooning a small amount onto a cold plate—if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready.
- Cool slightly, then transfer to clean jars and refrigerate.
Notes
- Use ripe, sweet figs like Black Mission or Brown Turkey for best results.
- Substitute 2 tsp pure vanilla extract if no vanilla bean is available (add at end of cooking).
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom for warm spice variation.
- Jam thickens further as it cools, so avoid overcooking.
- For gifting, store in sterilized jars and refrigerate or freeze.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
