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Homemade Fig Jam with Lemon & Thyme

homemade fig jam with lemon and thyme - featured image

A simple, small-batch fig jam made with fresh figs, lemon, and thyme. Perfect for cheese boards, toast, or as a glaze for roasted meats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh figs (about 450g), preferably Black Mission
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Prep the figs: Rinse figs gently, pat dry, trim stems, and cut into quarters.
  2. Combine everything in the pot: Add figs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, and water to a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir to coat figs. Lay thyme sprigs on top. Let rest for 5 minutes.
  3. Start cooking: Place pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until mixture comes to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and maintain a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Mash and stir: After 15 minutes, use the back of a wooden spoon or a potato masher to gently break down figs, leaving some chunks. Stir every 2-3 minutes for about 10 minutes until mixture thickens and looks glossy.
  5. Test for doneness: Place a small spoonful on a chilled plate (pre-frozen) and let sit for 30 seconds. Run your finger through it; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s done. If not, cook 3-5 more minutes and test again.
  6. Remove the thyme and rest: Fish out thyme sprigs. Stir jam and let rest in pot for 5 minutes.
  7. Jar the jam: Ladle hot jam into a sterilized 8 oz glass jar, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim clean, screw on lid, and let cool to room temperature. Listen for the ‘pop’ of the seal.

Notes

Don’t walk away from the pot; jam can burn quickly. Use the wrinkle test for doneness, not the clock. Let jam rest for 5 minutes before jarring to allow pectin to activate. If jam gets too thick, stir in warm water 1 tablespoon at a time. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, homemade jam, small batch jam, fig recipe, lemon thyme jam, easy jam recipe, no pectin jam