Easy Homemade Fig Preserves Recipe (without Pectin)

Name: Easy Homemade Fig Preserves Recipe (without Pectin)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients: 2 pounds of FRESH FIGS (stems removed and rough ends cut) - Black mission figs are my favorite type of fig and work excellently for this recipe.; 1 1/2 cup of LIGHT BROWN SUGAR - You can use any type of sugar in this recipe, but I prefer light brown sugar because it gives the preserves a richer flavor.; Juice from an ORANGE - For a delicious citrusy note.; 2 teaspoons of ORANGE ZEST - For added aroma and flavor.; 3 teaspoons of BALSAMIC VINEGAR - (It is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the preserves.)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 9 reviews

These Easy Homemade Fig Preserves Recipe without Pectin are simple and easy to make in less than an hour and require only four simple ingredients—a great way to preserve the flavors of fresh figs.

What are fig preserves?

Fig preserves are a combination of fresh figs, often with sugar and sometimes citrus, cooked until they reach a jam-like consistency; however, fig preserves are thicker and have a more rustic texture.

Whenever late summer and early fall roll around, I look forward to fig season and finding fresh figs (Higos Frescos) in our local grocery stores in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Fresh figs were abundant in my home country of Venezuela, but here in the upper Midwest, they are found only briefly each year. Trader Joe’s is my favorite place where I know I will find fresh figs every fall.

This recipe was inspired by my Poached Pears because I love anything that involves cooking fresh fruit with sugar and spices!

One of my favorite ways to enjoy fresh figs is to make homemade fig preserves, especially when I have to wait a long time to find them again. They are a simple yet delicious way to preserve their fresh taste. Homemade fig preserves have a delightful fresh fruit essence that store-bought versions often can't match. You can make fig preserves with chopped, whole figs, or dried figs.

If you are making fig preserves for the first time, follow my simple steps, and you'll be glad you tried this delightful recipe. The results are simply delicious!

Jump to:

Why you will love this simple recipe:
Difference Between Fig preserves and Fig jam
Equipment needed
Ingredients and substitutions
How to Make Fig Preserves - Step-by-step instructions
Uses for fig preserves
Recipe Variations
Storage
Frequently asked questions about Fig Preserves:
You may also like my other Latin-inspired recipes
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Why you will love this simple recipe:

No Pectin needed, making it an all-natural fig preserves. Unlike many recipes that use artificial pectin, my homemade fig preserves (Conserva de Higos in Spanish) rely on the fruit's natural pectin from the figs and the orange zest. The figs contain enough pectin to thicken the preserves, and the peel of citrus fruits such as oranges is particularly rich in pectin, so I have added orange zest for its delicious citrus flavor and thickening properties.
It's also a small batch recipe, so you can make just enough to enjoy without worrying about canning or storing large quantities.
Quick and easy to make in less than an hour – It requires minimal prep work, and the cooking process is easy. Chop the fruit, mix all ingredients, and simmer.
Who doesn't love easy recipes?

Homemade-Fig-Preserves-in-white-bowl-with-flowers-and-fresh-figs-around

Difference Between Fig preserves and Fig jam

While both are delicious, there's a subtle difference.

Fig jam is usually smoother, often with finely chopped or pureed figs.
Fig preserves have a thicker consistency and tend to have large pieces of fruit, offering a more rustic preserve with a chunkier texture.

Fig preserves also tend to have less sugar than fig jam. This is because the natural pectin in the figs helps thicken the preserves without needing a lot of added sugar.

Equipment needed

Cutting board
Knife
A medium to large pot or saucepan (stainless steel preferred)
Lemon zester

Ingredients and substitutions

The fresh figs marry perfectly with the citrus from the orange, the right amount of light brown sugar with its caramelized notes, and the gentle touch of the balsamic vinegar. All in harmony to create the best fig preserves recipe with beautiful, vibrant color, rustic texture, and fantastic flavor.

See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

FRESH FIGS (stems removed and rough ends cut) - Black mission figs are my favorite type of fig and work excellently for this recipe.
LIGHT BROWN SUGAR - You can use any type of sugar in this recipe, but I prefer light brown sugar because it gives the preserves a richer flavor. Most recipes call for a ratio of equal parts of fruit and refined sugar, but I find that ratio of sugar to be too sweet. This small amount of sugar is perfect but can be adjusted to your preference.
JUICE FROM AN ORANGE - For a delicious citrusy note. Lemon juice is a suitable substitute.
ORANGE ZEST - For added aroma and flavor. Lemon zest is a suitable substitute.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR - For a tangy twist! (It is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the preserves.)

How to Make Fig Preserves - Step-by-step instructions

Here is all you need to know about making fantastic fig preserves. You will appreciate how easy and quick this recipe is!

fresh-Figs-over-grey-plate-for-fig-Preserves-Recipe

1. Prepare the Figs: Ensure your ripe figs are clean. Always cut off the stem. Wash the figs with cold water and gently pat dry.

Note: The entire fig is edible, from the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad tiny seeds, but they can be peeled if you wish, although I do not recommend it.

2. Cut the Figs: Dice the figs into small pieces (about 1/2 inch).

Fig-Preserves-ingredients-in-a-saucepan-ready-for-cooking

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a medium to large pot, combine the figs, sugar, orange juice, orange zest and balsamic vinegar (if using). Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.

4. Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.

5. Test for Doneness: Perform the spoon test. When the fig mixture has a jam-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon, it's ready!

Uses for fig preserves

Spread on bread or pancakes to complement goat cheese on a cheese plate or cheese boards, pour over cream cheese, make it the star on a charcuterie board along these Sweet and Spicy Pecans with Chipotle, or sneak into homemade fig newtons.

You can also use them to top ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. Or get creative and use them in savory dishes like this Crostini Appetizer Recipe or to add flavor to a sauce or glaze for pork or chicken.

Recipe Variations

Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a spicier flavor.
For a sweeter flavor, add a little more sugar.
Substitute orange with Lemon zest or add vanilla extract, and even maple syrup can be introduced as a delicious flavor variation.
To make fig jam (if that’s your jam!), puree the preserves with an immersion blender, potato masher, or food processor until smooth. Then you’ll have a homemade fig jam recipe!
Mix in other fruits like strawberries for my recipe Strawberry-Fig Preserves or even into a blueberry jam.
You can add other fruits to the fig preserves, such as pears, peaches, or plums.

Storage

For the best results, store in sterilized jars. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Fig preserves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.

TIP: Fig preserves in mason jars make a great gift!

Frequently asked questions about Fig Preserves:

How do you tell when a fig is ripe?

Ripe figs should be soft to the touch and slightly yield to gentle pressure. They should also have a sweet, fruity aroma. Avoid figs that are hard or have blemishes. The taste should be sweet and full of flavor.

Do you leave the skin on fresh figs?

Absolutely! It's packed with flavor and natural pectin.

How long do homemade fig preserves last in the fridge?

When stored properly, homemade fig preserves can last in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. The amount of sugar in a recipe can affect the shelf life since sugar acts as a preservative. Preserves with less sugar will have a shorter shelf life. The reduced sugar content in this recipe might result in a shorter shelf life compared to traditional fruit spreads that contain much sugar.

It is essential to store the preserves in an airtight container in the fridge. If you see any signs of spoilage, such as mold or discoloration, discard the preserves.

Here are some tips for storing homemade fig preserves:
- Ensure the jars are clean and sterilized with boiling water before filling them with preserves.
- Leave about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator.
- Label the jars with the date they were made.

Fig Butter vs Fig Jam. What’s the difference?

Fig butter is a smoother, creamier, more spreadable version of fig preserves, typically made with cooked mashed figs, sugar, and spices. Fig jam, on the other hand, retains the texture of the fruit creating a more rustic texture.

I hope this recipe was helpful. Because this easy fig preserves recipe has journeyed from Venezuela's fig trees to your kitchen. Enjoy every spoonful!

I post new recipes weekly, so stay tuned for more! If you want me to feature a favorite Latin recipe, let me know at @alatinflair or post a comment below. Gracias!

📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

Easy Homemade Fig Preserves Recipe (without Pectin)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 9 reviews

Author: Juyali (ju-ja-lee)
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Category: Spreads
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: Latin

Print Recipe

Description

Spread on bread or pancakes to complement goat cheese on a cheese plate or cheese boards, pour over cream cheese, make it the star on a charcuterie board, or sneak into homemade fig newtons.
Enjoy every spoonful!

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds of FRESH FIGS (stems removed and rough ends cut) - Black mission figs are my favorite type of fig and work excellently for this recipe.

1 1/2 cup of LIGHT BROWN SUGAR - You can use any type of sugar in this recipe, but I prefer light brown sugar because it gives the preserves a richer flavor.

Juice from an ORANGE - For a delicious citrusy note.

2 teaspoons of ORANGE ZEST - For added aroma and flavor.

3 teaspoons of BALSAMIC VINEGAR - (It is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor to the preserves.)

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Instructions

Prepare the Figs: Ensure your ripe figs are clean. Always cut off the stem. Wash the figs with cold water and gently pat dry.
Note: The entire fig is edible, from the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad tiny seeds, but they can be peeled if you wish, although I do not recommend it.
Cut the Figs: Dice the figs into small pieces (about 1/2 inch).
Combine the Ingredients: In a medium to large pot, combine the figs, sugar, orange juice, orange zest and balsamic vinegar (if using). Stir well to ensure the sugar is evenly distributed.
Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to low heat and let it simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Test for Doneness: Perform the spoon test. When the fig mixture has a jam-like consistency and coats the back of a spoon, it's ready!

Notes

Uses for fig preserves.
- Spread on bread or pancakes to complement goat cheese on a cheese plate or cheese boards, pour over cream cheese, make it the star on a charcuterie board.
- You can also use them to top ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal. Or get creative and use them in savory dishes to add flavor to a sauce or glaze for pork or chicken.
Storage: For the best results, store in sterilized jars. Cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Fig preserves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Here are some tips for storing homemade fig preserves:
- Ensure the jars are clean and sterilized with boiling water before filling them with preserves.
- Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar.
- Seal the jars tightly and store them in the refrigerator.
- Label the jars with the date they were made.
Tip for extending the shelf life of your homemade fig preserves:
Freeze the preserves if you want to store them for longer than 3 weeks. Transfer the preserves to freezer-safe containers and freeze them for 6 months. When ready to use them, thaw the preserves in the refrigerator overnight.