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This Ridiculously Easy Orange Fig Jam is almost embarrassingly easy- combine dried figs (yes DRIED figs), sugar, orange juice and zest along with a splash of vinegar - cook, stir, puree - you're done! Then it's time to enjoy!
Scott and I were in one of those fun little home and kitchen boutique shops last weekend. He spotted a jar of Orange Fig Jam and placed it on the counter with a few other items we were purchasing. When we arrived home that day and I was unpacking our treasures, I noticed the price on that small jar of jam... "ouch", I thought to myself!
Right then and there, I decided to make my own! I knew from my Balsamic Fig Jam that it's not difficult and doesn't even require pectin. I decided to adapt that easy recipe to include lots of fresh orange flavor. So I went to work...
It was pretty simple from the go. I subbed orange juice for the water and omitted the balsamic vinegar but when I tasted the new concoction it was overly sweet so a splash of apple cider vinegar and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice balanced everything perfectly. Lots of finely grated orange zest, stirred in at the end, added lots of fresh orange flavor. Done!
Make this jam any time of year!
I love that this orange fig jam can be made any time of year since it's made with dried figs. Since fig season is so short and fresh figs are expensive (unless you're lucky enough have a fig tree growing in your yard), this is a wonderful option. I wasn't sure the first time I made fig jam from dried figs if it would live up to fresh fig jam but I was happily surprised. Honestly, you can't tell the difference!
Ridiculously Easy
I would be remiss not to tell you about our whole collection of recipes that we call Ridiculously Easy. You can read more about these recipes in this post and check out the whole collection here. To keep things simple, I define this elite category as "the recipes that make you look like a kitchen rock star with minimal effort on your part".
Sound good? Yep, we think so too!
What to do with this Ridiculously Easy Orange Fig Jam
So what do you do with fig jam? SO much! This super easy orange fig jam will add lots of pizzazz to your everyday culinary world. Here are a few ideas:
- It's fantastic on toast, biscuits, scones, bagels or homemade rolls. We LOVE it on our Seeded Danish Carrot Rolls that you see in the pictures in this post (recipe coming up next week!) or our No-Knead Brioche Bread (that my son says is "better than grandma's - that's my mom who was famous for her homemade bread).
- Serve as pictured above on a cheeseboard. We love it with a smoky cheddar or Gouda, creamy goat cheese, Manchego, Roquefort, Blue or Gorgonzola. Grapes, apples, pears and a handful of nuts like these Easy Candied Pecans or these Sweet and Spicy Roasted Almonds all pair nicely with this jam.
- Use it as a topping for baked brie.
- Layer this jam with cheese in a grilled sandwich with turkey, ham, thinly sliced pork or smoked chicken.
- Mix it in yogurt. Add sliced bananas and some toasted pecans or a sprinkle of granola, delish!
- Heat it up and drizzle it over ice cream.
- Serve it with yogurt instead of honey or jam.
- Use it as a base for pizza or flatbread.
- Use it as a delicious glaze for pork and chicken.
- Roast some veggies with olive oil and a spoonful of this balsamic fig jam... so good!
- Make a vinaigrette with it.
- Use it as a filling between cake layers.
- Make a simple appetizer by spreading goat cheese on little bread toasts and topping each with a slice of prosciutto and a dollop of this Balsamic Fig Jam.
- Give it as a gift!
Give it as a gift?
Yes, this fantastic orange fig jam makes a wonderful gift for family, friends, neighbors, teachers, co-workers, etc. Pair it with some gourmet crackers and a nice wedge of cheese for a fabulous hostess gift. If someone you know is discouraged or sad, a jar of this jam will be a sweet encouragement, knowing someone cares.
Because this makes such a nice gift, we've created a fun PDF for labels to adorn your jars. These labels are free for the asking - simply let us know in the comment section at the bottom of this post and we will email the labels to you within a day or two along with instructions on how to print them up on your own computer.
For beginners or seasoned cooks
If you've been intimated by making homemade jam, this Easy Orange Fig Jam recipe is for you! It will take you way less than an hour from start to finish and you'll have a row of beautiful golden jars lined up on your counter ready to enjoy! Try it! You'll be making this one again and again, especially if you share with family and/or friends... they'll be lots of requests for refills!
Café Tips for making this Ridiculously Easy Orange Fig Jam
- What type of dried figs to use for this jam? Any kind! I love the golden dried figs from Trader Joes and have also used dried Mission figs but any type of dried figs will work. The color of the jam will vary, depending on the type of dried figs you use.
- This jam has to simmer for 20-25 minutes. When jam simmers there's the tendency for little bits of it to splash out of the pan, so I like to use a fairly large pot to prevent a mess.
- Figs can be sticky so I like to spray my knife with a bit of cooking spray or rub it with a little oil when chopping up my figs.
- This recipe is easily doubled. It may take a few extra minutes of cooking to achieve the desired thickness.
- Jars of this Easy Orange Fig Jam make lovely gifts for friends, neighbors, teachers, hairdressers, postmen, etc. Pair it with a nice box of crackers, a wedge of cheese and a bottle of wine for the best-ever hostess gift!
- If you give this jam as a gift be sure to tell your giftee that it should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, for longer storage. If you decide to use the water bath method it will be shelf-stable.
- The easiest way to blend this Easy Fig Jam is with an immersion blended as you can blend it right in the pot. I love my immersion blender as it's a super versatile workhorse in my kitchen and can be used for soups, sauces and so much more.
Thought for the day:
What we're listening to for inspiration:
If you enjoy this recipe, please come back and leave a star rating and review! It’s so helpful to other readers to hear your results, adaptations, and ideas for variations.
- 12 ounces dried figs stems removed (see post for types of figs)
- 1¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 cups orange juice
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- finely grated zest from 2 medium-size oranges
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Chop each fig into quarters. Wash enough jars and lids to hold 24-ounces in hot soapy water and rinse well. Set aside.
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Combine figs, sugar, orange juice, apple cider vinegar and lemon juice in a medium-large saucepan over medium heat.
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Bring to a boil then reduce to a steady. rolling simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Pulse/blend the jam with an immersion (or regular) blender until large pieces are gone but jam is still has a bit of texture. (Use the pulse setting on your blender.)
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Cook for another 5-10 minutes until jam is thickened to desired state. (It will get a bit thicker as it cools). Add fresh orange zest and stir to combine.
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Transfer to jars with tight-fitting lids. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for 2-3 months.
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If you prefer to can this jam to make it shelf stable, follow these directions.
See Café Tips above in the post for more detailed instructions and tips to ensure success.
If you prefer to use Metric measurements there is a button in each of our recipes, right above the word “Instructions”. Just click that button to toggle to grams, milliliters, etc. If you ever come across one of our recipes that doesn't have the Metric conversion (some of the older recipes may not), feel free to leave a comment and I will add it.
This recipe makes 24 ounces of jam. The number of jars will depend on the size of your jams.
Mary Dodge Bovaird says
This sounds delicious! I world love to have the pdf for the labels, please.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending the labels now, Mary Dodge!
Nicole Ferland says
So yummy with a good cheddar cheese.
Please send labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Yes!
Eloyd Ray says
I would like to receive your labels for this jam.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, just sent them, Eloyd.
Annette says
I am so sorry I forgot to request labels on my previous post. Is it too late? So anxious to try the jam and give to friends.
Pat Federico says
Scumpdlyicious….! 🥰. I’m always sharing jams with my friends…. There are 8 of us that meet once a month in a round robin for wine tasting… whatever wine is left at the end of the night is left with the Host/Hostess of that nite…. I always make a wine jelly and pass it on at the next wine tasting…..Your Orange/Fig jam woul be a spectacular change-up… I would love to have your Printable Labels to make the treat complete….thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds like fun! I think they'll enjoy this jam too. Sending the labels now, Pat.
Gloria Anaya says
Please send me the labels I can’t wait to try . I have 3 mission fig trees but it’s march and I don’t have the patience to wait for them to produce fruit and ripen. Thank you
Chris Scheuer says
Lucky you! This will tide you over till those trees start producing! Sending the labels now.
Amy says
Hi,
I’d love to try this so the labels would be much appreciated.
Thank you,
Amy
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, they're coming your way, Amy!
Suzanne says
The fig jam sounds delicious! Would love to use your labels. Thanks for all your great recipes.
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Suzanne! Just sent the labels.
Diane Black says
can't wait to make it.
Buying ingredients today
Chris Scheuer says
Awesome, sending the labels your way.
DoLee Spurgeon says
I love everything orange and can't wait to try this. Please send me the beautiful labels. Thank you once again.
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it, DoLee! Happy to send the labels.
Annette says
Oh wow, homemade orage fig jam. So excited to rely this! Thank you for the recipe.
Chris Scheuer says
Just sent the labels now, enjoy!
Nikki says
Another wonderful recipes. Please send me the labels. Can’t wait to make this.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Nikki! Sending the labels now.
Jarrett Smith says
Please send me the PDF of the labels. This sounds wonderful. Thank you.
Jarrett Smith
Chris Scheuer says
You're welcome, Jarrett. Happy to send you the labels.
Laurie McKillip Johnson says
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it. Please email labels. Thank you 😊
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Laurie!
Susan says
This sounds delicious! I have made your balsamic fig jam-gave it as Christmas gifts this year-and your tomato jam too. All stellar recipes! Everyone wanted more!
I’d love to have the labels for this one too. Thank you so much, my husband is already to go to TJ’s for the figs.
Chris Scheuer says
That's so good to hear, Susan - the labels are coming your way!
Kathleen Rousseau says
This jam looks delicious, I’m anxious to make it. Please send the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Kathleen! The labels will be in your email shortly!
Jacky Bronson says
Love all your recipes and love figs . Can’t wait to make this and share as gifts .
The Labels would be a perfect addition for gifts .
Thank you so much, Jacky
Chris Scheuer says
Thank you, Jacky! I'll send the labels now.
janet ertel says
I am going out to buy dried figs now - please send me the labels.
Thanks Chris
Janet
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it! Happy to send the labels, Janet!
Frieda Seich says
Looking forward to making this and sharing with my dear friends.
Chris Scheuer says
I think they will love it, Frieda! Just sent the labels.
Candace says
Hi Chris,
Orange and fig, truly a match made in heaven. This Fig &Orange Jam recipe sounds heavenly. I would love the labels to adorn my jars. Thanks for all you share on your website.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Candace!
Patricia Streeter says
Looks like another delicious delight. Please send labels!
Thanks
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Patricia, just sent the labels.
Debbie says
I absolutely love figs! My grandmother had a blue fig that was so sweet and delicious. She always made fig jam. Thanks for the special memories this recipe inspired. I would love the labels. Hank you.
Chris Scheuer says
I love that Debbie! Sending the labels now.
Winnie says
I would love the labels. This looks wonderful.
Chris Scheuer says
Happy to send them, Winnie!
Cathy says
This looks fantastic. Please send me the labels.
Thanks so much!
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it, Cathy. Sending the labels your way!
Lynn says
Thank you for another wonderfully easy recipe. Now all I need are the labels!
I have, yet, to find one of your recipes that I don’t love.
Thanks for sharing,
Lynn
Chris Scheuer says
Aww, thanks so much, Lynn! Sending the labels now.