Don’t know what to have for breakfast or snack? Discover, step by step, how to prepare a delicious fig jam, a naturally sweet fruit packed with nutrients.
- Homemade fig jam recipe (very easy
- Benefits and properties of figs
- More recipes with figs
Figs have been an integral part of the Mediterranean diet for centuries, and rightly so. It is a delicious fruit, rich in fiber and antioxidants and full of health benefits that, unfortunately, has a very short season, so it is advisable to make the most of it while it is still on the market. And what better way to do it than preparing a homemade fig jam to enjoy its sweetness longer.
HOMEMADE FIG JAM RECIPE (VERY EASY)
Fig jam is ideal to enjoy on toast at breakfast and snacks or as an accompaniment to vegan cheeses, salads … You choose which dish to enjoy it on. We explain how to make a traditional and very simple recipe. If you want a more exotic and innovative fig jam, try adding peach and ginger or cinnamon, they combine perfectly with the fig.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of fresh and ripe figs
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup whole cane sugar (you can adjust the amount depending on the sweetness of the figs)
- Water (if needed to make the jam more liquid)
Instructions:
- Wash the figs, remove the skin and cut them into small pieces.
- In a large saucepan with a thick bottom, put the figs, whole cane sugar and lemon juice and mix everything well. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
- Place the saucepan on the fire over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring it all the time so that it does not stick.
- When it starts to boil, lower the heat and continue cooking for about 20-30 minutes, while continuing to stir it often. You will see how it thickens. In case it thickens too much you can add a little water to dilute it.
- Once the jam has the right consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then (while it is still hot), pour it into sterilized jars, close them and let them cool (you will hear how they seal).
BENEFITS AND PROPERTIES OF FIGS
The fig is a typical Mediterranean fruit, very nutritious and aromatic. There are many different varieties, but in Spain the most common are the Blanca de Maella, the Neapolitan Negra, the Colar, the Burjasot, the White and Black Lady’s Neck or the Muscat.
Although we usually believe that it is very caloric, the truth is that fresh provides few calories more than an apple (74 per 100 grams). Its contribution of fats and proteins is very low.
Figs are a great source of fiber, which helps in good digestive health by softening and adding bulk to the stool and preventing constipation. It promotes the feeling of satiety, so it can be useful in people who want to lose weight.
They also contain polyphenols and flavonoids, plant compounds with antioxidant properties that help protect cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals (which can play an important role in the development of various chronic diseases and aging).
It also provides minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium, which are especially concentrated in dried figs. In fact, fig is the fruit that contains the most calcium (35 mg per 100 g). They also contain vitamins such as vitamin K, vitamin A, vitamin B6 and several B vitamins. All of these nutrients have various health benefits, for example, they contribute to bone and heart health.
In jam, many of the nutrients in figs are preserved, such as fiber, vitamins, antioxidants or minerals, although their concentration may be lower than in fresh fruit. As for the caloric intake, it will obviously be higher in jam and should be taken in moderation.
MORE RECIPES WITH FIGS
If you want to take advantage of all the benefits of figs in delicious recipes, here are more ideas to enjoy them:
Finger-licking fig recipes:
- Figs stuffed with cream cheese
- Figs with crispy chocolate
- Fig vinaigrette
- Cream of figs
- Roasted figs with balsamic vinegar
Here you have the step by step recipes with figs to lick your fingers
More recipe ideas with figs:
- Fig and feta cheese salad
- Figs with oats and yogurt
- Fig and zucchini lasagnitas
Here you have the step by step of these other recipes with figs
3 recipes with prickly pear
- Truffled cream of tuno
- Cactus ketchup
- Porridge of oats and prickly pears
Here you have the step by step of these recipes with prickly pear.
