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Homemade Small Batch Fig and Honey Jam

small batch fig and honey jam - featured image

A simple and quick small batch fig and honey jam recipe perfect for beginners, featuring fresh figs, honey, and a hint of lemon for brightness. This jam is luscious, not overly thick, and ideal for breakfast or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh figs (about 300 grams), quartered
  • 1/3 cup honey (113 grams)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about 15 ml)
  • 1/4 cup water (60 ml)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Rinse 2 cups (about 300 grams) of fresh figs under cold water and gently pat them dry. Quarter each fig to help them break down evenly during cooking.
  2. In a 2-quart (2-liter) saucepan, add the quartered figs, 1/3 cup (113 grams) of honey, 1/4 cup (60 ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of fresh lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This should take about 5-7 minutes. You’ll notice the figs start to soften and release their juices.
  4. Lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for about 30-35 minutes, stirring every few minutes. The jam will thicken and the figs will break down into tender chunks. Avoid high heat to prevent scorching the honey.
  5. To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate and run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done. If it’s still runny, simmer a little longer but be careful not to overcook.
  6. Optional: For a smoother texture, gently mash the figs with a fork or potato masher while warm, or run the jam through a fine mesh strainer to remove skins.
  7. Let the jam cool for 10-15 minutes in the pan, then transfer it to clean glass jars. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator. The jam will thicken further as it cools.

Notes

Use local wildflower or clover honey for best flavor. Cook at a gentle simmer to avoid burning honey. Stir gently and avoid over-stirring to keep fig chunks intact. Lemon juice is essential for brightness and preservation. Sterilize jars for longer freshness. Frozen figs can be used if thawed gently before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, honey jam, homemade jam, small batch jam, easy jam recipe, beginner jam recipe, fruit spread, natural sweetener