The lemon in this recipe is vital to include. Not only does it enhance the flavors of the figs, but it also helps to reduce the pH level and allows the preserves to set and be sealed in a jar in the boiling water bath.
It can also help to prevent bacteria growing in your preserves. If you’re short a lemon, but do have a bottle of lemon juice to hand, you can use this as a substitute. Either way, don’t skip this essential ingredient.
There are actually many varieties of figs, and some will work better than others in this recipe. Black Mission figs are one of the top types to use for preserves, with a sweet, syrupy flavor. Hailing from Spain’s Balearic Islands, they arrived in America in the late 18th century, and have been commercially produced in California ever since.
As such, they should be easy enough to find at your local grocery store. Other varieties, such as Brown Turkey, can also be used if you can’t find Black Mission figs. Any leftover figs can be enjoyed as a snack or you can mix them into other popular recipes, including a breakfast smoothie, to add jammy notes.
You will need to properly sterilize the jars you’re using to eliminate any potential contamination with bacteria that’s in the containers. You can do this in a variety of ways, from using the microwave to boiling the jars in a saucepan.
However you choose to sterilize the jars is up to you, but it’s important to transfer them into the warm water bath once your preserve is in the jar as a final step of the process to seal them.
Pairing Ideas: Cheeses, Meats, and Breads
Fig preserves on a creamy cheese board is one of the tastiest pairings around. A helping of indulgent brie with fig preserves is an irresistibly delicious dessert. Other soft and mild varieties, such as goat cheese and warm camembert, also pair effortlessly with the rich notes of figs.
To expand your cheese board you can add meats, including salty prosciutto, which balance the sweetness of the preserves. To complete the board, crusty baguettes or ciabatta bring a crunchy textural contrast to the smooth, jammy, sweetness of the figs. Or, for more complexity, you could pair the fig preserves with sourdough, introducing tangy flavors to the mix.
Storage and Shelf Life
Fig preserves can last for up to a year if stored in a cool dark place in the pantry and left unopened. Once the jar has been opened, it should be transferred to the fridge and enjoyed within six months. Look for signs of spoilage, such as mold, or an unpleasant odor, to ensure your fig preserves are still safe to eat.
