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!
Legal
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 Perfectly Provence articles and other content may not be published, broadcast, rewritten (including translations into other languages) or redistributed without written permission.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
Experience Pure Lavender Magic: Terre Ugo Near Aix-en-Provence
June 30, 2025
Terre Ugo is delighted to announce its 2025 summer program, set amidst picturesque lavender and sunflower fields. This enchanting 7-hectare family farm, situated on the outskirts of Aix-en-Provence in Puyricard, is teeming with 30,000 organic Lavender plants. From June 1 to August 31, the estate welcomes visitors daily from 10:00 am to 6:30 pm. Guests …
The Summer Truffle Festival in Aups is a Culinary Treat – Don’t Miss Out!
June 23, 2025
Located between the Mediterranean coast and the Alps, the village of Aups sits at 505 metres (1,657 ft). Considered the capital of the Haut-Var, this mid-sized town has a population of roughly 2200 residents. However, on a busy summer weekend, Aups attracts many visitors. It is considered the “gateway” to the Verdon Regional Natural Park, …
Make this Provencal Summer Menu Inspired by Seasonal Flavours
June 20, 2025
Cynthia Moos is a Provence native and the founder of Best French Forever, a lifestyle brand dedicated to women inspired by the Provençal art de vivre. Her mission is to invite women to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and curate a life they love. We asked Cynthia if she would curate our 2025 summer menu. …
Where to Eat in Provence? Domaine la Pierre Blanche is a Food Lovers’ Paradise
June 18, 2025
As the sun gracefully dips behind the Alpilles, the landscape is bathed in a gentle golden glow that dances across the grapevines, offering a prelude to an enchanting evening in Provence. This region’s luminous light, which has long captured the imaginations of celebrated artists, serves as a backdrop to the “Rosé Mule,” a tantalizing cocktail …
2 Comments
Just a lovely recipe!
Thank you. It’s fig season in Provence so the recipe appears at a perfect time.