Making Fig Jam

I have enough figs from my neighbor that I was not able to consume immediately. Figs do not store for long periods of time even if it is refrigerated. One way to make use of it is to make jam.

Start with about 5 pounds of figs. Chop the figs coarsely and put them in a container; use a container than is non-reactive, either plastic or stainless steel container. Do not use aluminum containers.

Add about 5 to 6 cups of granulated sugar; adjust the amount according to your sweetness preference. Mix and store in the refrigerator at least overnight. After overnight, the mixture will be watery; the fig will be releasing its natural juice.

 

Cook the fig-sugar mixture in a stove-top on medium heat. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid scorching at the bottom. Cook until the jam thickens, this should take about 25 to 30 minutes.

Squeeze ¼ of a cup of lemon juice and add to the jam. Cook the jam for another minute longer. The lemon juice will balance the sweetness of the jam and lowers the acidity necessary for the jam to set avoiding a runny jam.   

Let the jam cool down.

While the jam is cooling down, sterilize mason jars and cover. Boil water in a pot with the mason jars and covers for at least 5 minutes; jar and cover must be pre-washed before the sterilization process. Use a tong to remove the jars and cover from the boiling water and set them in a counter; do not touch the jars and covers, touching will contaminate.

Ladle the jam into the hot mason jars and let it cool down. Cover the jar, label with the date made and store in refrigerator. The jam will last about one month refrigerated and six months frozen. The jam can be sterilized using bath canning method to prolong storage time.

Fig

My neighbor has a fig tree and for years has always given me fig fruit except for the last few years; her tree did not have much fruit due to the drought for the past several years. This year with a bumper crop, she has given me a lot.

Fig is an ancient tree native to the Middle East and Western Asia but it is widely cultivated in Asia and North America for its fruit and as an ornamental plant. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried and also used in making jams. Once the fruit is picked, it should be eaten immediately as it does not keep well.

Figs are in season from August to early October. The figs my neighbor gave me are the reddish brown variety; they are soft, plump and sweet. She had given me a lot and was not able to eat everything; I will be making fig jam.

Pear Tree

My property came with a pear tree planted in front of the house. It has been bearing fruit every year ever since I bought the house except last year and the year before which may be due to the drought and also for not being watered regularly.

For this season, it is loaded with fruit thanks to the rains; not only loaded but the fruits are bigger than normal. The fruit is brownish in color and not suitable for eating as it is but it is good for cooking; especially good for baking such as making pies as it is firm and hold well when baked. It is a bit tough and not as juicy as the light green variety.