How to Make Fig Spread

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: December 21, 2021

Fig spread is a delicious spread to add to bread, toast, muffins, scones, and other baked products. It's a delicacy, but not one you think of when "spread" or "jam" comes to mind. This makes it all the more uncommon and special when you do enjoy it.

Ingredients

Dried Fig Spread^{[1]
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12 oz. (285 g) dried figs, stems removed and quartered
3 tablespoons (45 ml) sugar
1 1/2 cups (295 ml) water
1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice

Fresh Fig Spread^{[2]
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12-15 fresh figs
1/4 cup (60 ml) sugar (this depends on the sweetness of the figs)
2 to 3 pinch of cinnamon powder
1 (5 ml) tsp lemon juice
1 (236) cup water

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:
Dried Fig Spread

Containing a more "figgy" taste and being slightly sweeter, there's nothing subtle about this spread, although it's still incredibly simple. Dried figs have more of a concentrated taste, so it's no wonder. Try this recipe if you're after the classic fig spread you've been trying to recreate.

1
Combine the figs, sugar, and water together in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then turn down heat to a simmer.
2
Simmer the fig mixture until figs are easily broken apart and most of the liquid has evaporated. Test the doneness of the figs with a wooden spoon or a knife. They should be ready after about 20 minutes.
3
Transfer the mixture to a food processor and add lemon juice. Alternately, if you don't have a food processor, you can turn off the heat on the burner and add the lemon juice to the saucepan.
4
Pulse the mixture until the figs are completely puréed. If you aren't using a food processor, mash the figs in the saucepan with a wooden spoon.
5
Let cool and serve. Can your fig mixture if you want!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:
Fresh Fig Spread

Made with fresh figs, this spread is a lot more subtle than dried fig jam. A little bit of cinnamon and lemon juice goes a lot way to giving this recipe the perfect combination of spice and tartness.

1
Rinse, dry, and chop your fresh figs. Be sure to get any dirt and grime off your figs and then dry them off completely. Chop or quarter your figs afterward.
2
Add the chopped figs and water to a pot and cook over low heat for about 4 to 5 minutes.
3
Add the sugar and cook for 30 - 45 minutes, stirring frequently. If the mixture looks too dry, don't hesitate to add a little bit of water to keep it moist.
4
When the jam is fully cooked and spreads apart easily, remove from burner and add cinnamon and lemon juice, stirring. Cover pot with a kitchen towel (to absorb condensation) and allow to come to room temperature.
5
When cool, serve and enjoy.

Community Q&A

Question

How do you store jam after it is cooked?

Community Answer

Store it in a mason jar that can be closed very tightly without any possibility of flies or air getting into it. Do not store it in the fridge until you open it.