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Flavorful Spiced Fig Jam with Orange Zest and Black Pepper

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A quick and easy fig jam recipe featuring fresh figs, bright orange zest, and a subtle kick of black pepper for a balanced, flavorful preserve.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh figs (ripe but firm)
  • 1 to 1¼ cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Up to ¼ cup water (optional, if figs are dry)

Instructions

  1. Rinse fresh figs gently under cold water and pat dry. Remove stems and roughly chop into 1-inch chunks (about 10 minutes).
  2. Place chopped figs, sugar, lemon juice, and orange zest in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add up to ¼ cup water if figs seem dry. Stir gently and let sit for 15 minutes to macerate.
  3. Bring mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to simmer and cook uncovered, stirring every few minutes to prevent scorching, for 30-40 minutes until thickened and darkened.
  4. About 10 minutes before finishing, stir in freshly ground black pepper to infuse warmth without overpowering flavors.
  5. Test jam doneness by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed with a finger, it is set. If not, cook a few minutes longer and test again.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Ladle jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids, and cool completely at room temperature.
  7. Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

Notes

Skim off foam during cooking for clearer jam. Use medium-ripe figs for best texture. Test jam set with chilled plate method. Adjust sugar to taste based on fig sweetness. Freshly ground black pepper is essential for flavor balance. Can be slow-cooked in crockpot for 3-4 hours as an alternative method.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, spiced fig jam, homemade preserves, orange zest jam, black pepper jam, easy fig jam recipe, fall preserves

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/flavorful-spiced-fig-jam-recipe-with-orange-zest-and-black-pepper-easy-steps/