Easy Fig Jam [No Pectin, Stovetop, Few Ingredients]

Fig jam, sweet and luscious, captures the essence of Adriatic summers. With just a few ingredients and no pectin, this homemade version is as versatile as it is simple, perfect for pairing with cheeses, prosciutto, or spreading on warm bread. Shall we?

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• Background
• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Expert Tips
• Handling
• Fun Fig Facts
• More Jams and Preserves
• Thoughts?
• Homemade Fig Jam (Džem od Smokava)
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Background

The transition from summer to fall is made sweeter with the preserves made for winter.

One of our favorites is the fig jam, which fills the kitchen with the cozy scent of simmering sweetness. Figs are common across the Balkans, especially along the Adriatic coast, where nearly every garden has its own tree.

Making fig jam is simple and easy.

Just a few ingredients are needed — figs, lemon, and sugar being the main ones. The jam is cooked on the stovetop, and no pectin is required. Perfect for meza, pogacha, or even as a topping for cornmeal, fig jam adds a touch of elegance to any spread.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you'll need to make a homemade fig jam.

• Figs. Fresh.
• Lemon. Juice only.
• Sugar. Granulated.
• Vanilla Extract. Liquid or powder.
• Rum Extract.
• (Optional) Walnuts, cinnamon, ginger.

Instructions

Simple instructions for the homemade fig jam.

Step 1. Halve or quarter figs. Marinate with lemon.

Step 2. Bring sugar, vanilla, and water to boil. Add figs.

Step 3. Sterliize jars. Remove foam.

Step 4. Blend jam. Add additions.

Step 5. Jar jam. Flip.

Expert Tips

Here are tips that may come in handy as you make your fig jam at home.

Find the Right Figs: Choose small, ripe figs that are tender but not too soft. Avoid large or overripe figs, which can make the jam bitter.

Marinate in Lemon: Quarter the figs and marinate them in lemon juice. No need to peel the skin, it's fully edible when the figs are ripe.

To Blend or Not to Blend: Blend the jam to your liking—fully, partially, or not at all, depending on the texture you prefer.

Sugar, Yay or Nay?: Use just enough sugar to prevent bitterness. Figs are naturally sweet, but a small amount of sugar ensures balance.

Spices and Nuts: Enhance the jam with cinnamon or ginger, but only one. Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts—just one type of nut per batch.

Handling

• Serving: serve jam by itself, on top of homemade bread, or with desserts.

• Storing: store jars in a dark, cool, pantry for several months. Once you open up a jar, transfer it to the fridge and consume jam within 7-10 days.

Fun Fig Facts

• Figs are inverted flowers, pollinated by wasps.
• Female wasps enter figs to lay eggs, then die inside.
• An enzyme called ficin dissolves the wasps before the fig ripens.
• The crunch in figs? Just seeds, not insects.
• Male figs are inedible, with rough skin and holes.
• Male wasps dig tunnels for females to leave and then die.
• Female wasps pollinate female figs, losing their wings inside.
• Each fig species has its own unique wasp partner.

More Jams and Preserves

We love jams, preserves, and sauces... and you might too!

Thoughts?

If you made our fig jam (džem od smokava) and liked it, please consider giving it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5-star) rating. This helps others find the recipe more easily!

Also, feel free to leave a comment (I read each one!), and don't forget to tag a photo #balkanlunchbox, or us @balkanlunchbox, on IG.

Prijatno, Dobar Tek, and Bon Appetit!

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