What to do with Ripe Figs? Make some Fig Jam
Condiment · David Scott Allen · Provencal Recipes · TasteLate summer when there is a hint of fall weather on the horizon – later sunrises and cooler nights – the figs are typically at their prime ripeness in Provence. If you like figs then this is your season! However, sadly figs have a short shelf life. So what is one to do with a bounty of figs before they spoil? Make Thyme and Lime Scented Fig Jam, which David describes as easy to make without the hassle of pectin etc. His recipe is below.
Thyme and Lime Scented Fig Jam
This jam is really easy and there should be enough to give a jar away too (if you want).
Ingredients
- 1 pound + 2 oz fresh figs brown, black, or golden
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Water
- 1 small bunch thyme tied with a string
- 1 small lime for zest strips
- 3/4 cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Lime juice
Instructions
- Start by placing the figs in a bowl and covering them with boiling water for 10 minutes. This will soften the skins and flesh.
- Drain.
- Place the water, thyme, and lime zest in a heavy-bottomed pan. (Make sure you count the number of zest strips so that you know how many to remove.)
- Stem and coarsely chop softened figs, and add to the pan.
- Add the sugar and stir well.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once boiling, increase heat to medium-high and boil until thick, stirring often to prevent scorching. This will take about 10 minutes.
- Take off the heat and remove the thyme bouquet and lime zest strips with tongs.
- Using an immersion blender, purée the figs until “chunky-smooth.” (You will need to decide what that means for you - do you like it chunkier or smoother? There is no right or wrong!)
- Add the lime juice and boil for one minute longer, stirring constantly.
- Scrape the jam into decorative pots, bowls, or jars.
- Let cool to room temperature.
- Cover with plastic wrap or jar lids, and keep refrigerated.
Notes
I used 1 pound 2 ounces of figs. Probably a silly amount but it's what I had on hand. Twice. I have made this twice and both times, by complete coincidence, picked out 1 pound 2 ounces of figs!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Saint-Tropez - Jewel of the French Riviera: Full day tour with a winery visit
Spend your day as a movie star in Saint-Tropez! The departure is set early in the morning to avoid the traffic towards the legendary town, with which a thousand stories are associated. The experience will start with a tour of this enchanting small fishing town of Saint-Tropez, which inspired numerous painters and whose beauty of the port always attracted the cinematographic world.
Book this ExperienceLegal
All rights reserved. Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission. For usage information, please contact us.
Syndication InformationAffiliate Information
As an Amazon Associate, this website earns from qualifying purchases. Some recipes, posts and pages may have affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, we receive a small commission that does not impact your price. Thank you in advance for supporting our work to maintain Perfectly Provence.
Related Provence Articles
Savoury Recipe Duck Breasts with Figs
February 26, 2016
This main dish is a recipe from Hilda it is easy to prepare and a perfect savoury pairing with duck and figs.…
Recipes for Figs: Jam, Tarts and Too Much of a Good Thing
November 1, 2019
This really is a Côte d’Azur heartache. When their fig tree produced fruit in huge quantities the whole family indulged in the bounty. Sadly, Jemma found out the hard way that too many figs, fig jam, fig tarts are not a good thing, in her case. The summer Philippe decided to make fig jam was …
Sourdough Toasts with Melted Cheese, Figs and Grapes
May 25, 2022
Sourdough Toasts with Melted Cheese, Figs and Grapes are an easy-to-make appetizer, starter or a main course with a crunchy green side salad. Our La Réserve, Maison Mirabeau’s first cuvée from Domaine Mirabeau, is a lovely food-friendly rosé. Due to its rich and creamy character, it will pair very nicely with creamy cheeses. Read more …
When Life Gives You Figs – Make a Fig Tart with Orange Flower Custard
October 20, 2017
What is your go-to dinner party hostess gift? A bottle of wine is an easy option, of course. Flowers are nice, but the hostess needs to scramble to find a vase and arrange the bouquet, which might not be practical. David shared this in his post about hostess gifts. “Never show up empty-handed.” I grew …
2 Comments
Just a lovely recipe!
Thank you. It’s fig season in Provence so the recipe appears at a perfect time.