Strawberry Fig Jam Recipe
This Strawberry Fig Jam recipe combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and figs with a touch of lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to create a rich, tangy spread perfect for breakfast or appetizers. With an option to make a vanilla-infused fig jam version, this homemade jam is easy to prepare, can be preserved for up to a year, and adds a gourmet touch to toast, scones, charcuterie boards, or baked brie.
- Author: Victoria
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam 1x
- Category: Jam, Spread
- Method: Simmering, Boiling, Water Bath Canning
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Strawberry Fig Jam
- 1 pound (500g) fresh figs
- 1 pound (500g) fresh strawberries
- 2 cups sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Vanilla Fig Jam
- 2.2 pounds (1kg) fresh figs
- 2 cups sugar
- Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 tablespoons lemon juice)
- 1 vanilla bean (or 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste)
- Prepare Fruit: Wash the strawberries and figs thoroughly. Remove the stems, then chop the fruit into small pieces by cutting in half and then into quarters.
- Cook Strawberry Fig Jam: Place the chopped strawberries and figs into a saucepan. Add the sugar and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a medium-low simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Balsamic Vinegar: Stir in the balsamic vinegar once the jam has thickened and just before bottling to maintain its bright tangy flavor.
- Test for Doneness: Place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If the jam wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it has reached the right consistency.
- Fill Jars: Use a ladle to carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth and seal tightly with lids.
- Process Jars for Shelf Stability: For long-term storage, submerge sealed jars in a boiling water bath ensuring water covers jars by at least 1 inch. Boil for at least 10 minutes to properly seal. Remove carefully and allow jars to cool undisturbed upside down for at least 12 hours.
- Check Seals and Store: Verify the center of each lid doesn’t pop up when pressed, indicating a proper seal. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening or if jars have not sealed properly.
- Prepare Vanilla Fig Jam Fruit: Wash figs and cut off stems. Chop figs into small pieces as before. Slice the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the seeds using the back of a knife.
- Cook Vanilla Fig Jam: Place chopped figs, lemon juice, vanilla seeds, and the scraped vanilla pod into a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat to simmer for 25-30 minutes. Remove the vanilla pod before jarring.
- Test Vanilla Jam for Doneness: Use the chilled plate method—if the jam wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready to jar and store as described above.
Notes
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized before filling to prevent spoilage.
- Use ripe but firm figs and strawberries for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sugar amount if you prefer a less sweet or more tart jam.
- Balsamic vinegar enhances the strawberry-fig flavor complexity without overpowering.
- Vanilla bean adds a fragrant aroma and smooth flavor, but vanilla extract is an acceptable substitute.
- Proper water bath processing is essential for safe, shelf-stable jam storage.
- Refrigerate after opening and consume within a month for best quality.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: strawberry fig jam, homemade jam, fruit jam, balsamic vinegar jam, vanilla fig jam, breakfast spread, easy jam recipe, canning, preserves