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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 intimidated 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... There'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 Ridiculously Easy Orange 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.
Cheri McKee says
I really dislike vinegar. Can you use all lemon juice instead?
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Cheri, you could use all lemon juice although the vinegar does balance this jam well and I promise, you will never taste vinegar.
Bobbie says
Can you substitute lemons for the oranges??
Chris Scheuer says
I wouldn't sub 2 cups of lemon juice as it would be too tart. But you could use water and some lemon juice.
Cindy says
I would love a set of the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Cindy!
Diane Morris says
Please send me the label --that makes the gift ever so much more special! Thanks...
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Diane - they're coming your way!
Tedurham1010@yahoo.com says
Please send both labels for the RE orange Fig Jam. Can not wait to give as gifts!
Chris Scheuer says
Just sent them - ENJOY!
Chris Scheuer says
Hi - I just sent them but they were returned. Perhaps your email address was incorrect???
Pat Stores says
I would love to have the labels. I’m looking forward to making the jam and even have all the ingredients on hand!
Chris Scheuer says
That sounds like it was meant to be! Sending the labels your way now, Pat!
Patricia says
Sounds sooo good!
Please send labels on my to do list!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Patricia! They're coming your way!
Gina says
I would love to have these labels..I’m going to make this jam as anything fig IS my jam!!
Chris Scheuer says
Haha! Happy to send them, Gina!
Avis Hannon says
I would love a set of labels please. This jam sounds delicious and will make it soon
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Avis!
Jenny Walkom says
Thank you for this interesting recipe for Orange fig jam. I think I will try that this week and would love some Free printable labels for the jars. Thank you so much.
Chris Scheuer says
Happy to send them, Jenny!
Gina says
Can't wait to make this, i love anything with figs. Please send me the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them now, Gina!
G.M. Sutcliffe, J.D. says
Love the jam and would greatly appreciate the labels. Thank you in advance!
Chris Scheuer says
Happy to send them!
Colleen Keilbart says
Yes!!! Another beautiful label from you. What could be better to go with this yummy recipe. Thank you!!!!!
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Colleen 💕 happy to send them!
Lynne Harms says
I'd love to have the labels. Thank you. Also, I couldn't link to the shelf stable directions.
Chris Scheuer says
Oh, thanks, Lynne - I will fix that and send out the labels.
Sheila says
This sounds lovely. Please send the labeks and I shall make it tomorrow. Thank you!
Chris Scheuer says
Hope you enjoy it, Sheila! The labels should be in your email.
Laura says
Please send the labels. I will be making this jam with figs recently received from coworker who brought them back from trip to Turkey. Thank you for your wonderful recipes!
Chris Scheuer says
I bet those are wonderful figs! Happy to send the labels.
Jan Watson says
Thank you Chris, this jam looks wonderful. Please send me the PDF for the labels, I would love to share this
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, happy to send them, Jan!
Pam says
This sounds like another winner and I can’t wait to try it. Please send me the labels.
Thank you so much,
Pam
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks, Pam! Sending them your way.
Viv says
Just wondering how a hint of Earl Grey would go in the jam?
Chris Scheuer says
That would be wonderful!
Vivian says
Yes, very pricey off the gourmet shoppe shelves! Now I can make my own...with designer labels too. Thank you, Chris!
Chris Scheuer says
Yes! Happy to send them, Vivian!
Sylvia Hasbach says
This is going to be my next project. Thank you Chris! I would love the labels!
Sylvia
Chris Scheuer says
It will be a fun project, Sylvia. Will send the labels.
Barbara Rice says
Would love to have the labels. Sounds delicious..
Chris Scheuer says
Hi Barbara, hope you enjoy the jam and the labels!
Deb says
Love fig jam. All your recipes are outstanding! I would love the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Deb! Will email the labels shortly.
Elizabeth Jackson says
Hi Chris, this jam looks delicious! Can I please get the labels to make the package complete. Sincere thanks!
Chris Scheuer says
Sure, sending them your way, Elizabeth!
jo says
Chris this looks like another of your wonderful recipes. Could you please share the labels.
Chris Scheuer says
Thanks so much, Jo. The labels are coming your way!