Rustic Jamie Oliver Fig Jam Recipe

Jam-Packed Jamie Oliver Fig Jam Recipe

Sweet, sticky fig jam elevates ordinary bread into a gourmet delight that dances across taste buds with vibrant flavor.

Luscious, sun-ripened figs melt into a luxurious spread that captures summer’s essence in each silky spoonful.

The culinary alchemy unfolds as fruit gently transforms, releasing deep, aromatic notes that whisper of Mediterranean orchards.

Minimal ingredients collaborate, creating a preserve that speaks of tradition and passion.

Handcrafted with care, this jam carries the soul of generations who understood the magic of seasonal harvests.

Every batch tells a story of patience and culinary artistry, transforming simple figs into a remarkable condiment.

Let this extraordinary jam beckon you toward a breakfast experience that transcends the ordinary.

How to Make Jamie Oliver Fig Jam at Home

How to Make Jamie Oliver Fig Jam at Home
  • Blend Sweet Fig Goodness

Toss fresh figs and sugar into a large pot. Let the mixture mingle and get friendly, stirring every few minutes until sugar starts melting and figs release their delicious juices.

  • Boost Flavor Profile

Splash in water and a zesty squeeze of lemon. Crank up the heat and stir until sugar completely dissolves, creating a bubbling symphony of sweetness.

  • Transform into Jammy Perfection

Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer. Watch as the figs soften and the liquid transforms into a thick, glossy treasure. You’ll know it’s ready when droplets cling dramatically to your spoon and the texture feels luxuriously smooth.

  • Capture and Preserve

Carefully pour the steaming jam into clean glass jars. Let the jam cool naturally at room temperature, allowing its flavors to settle and meld together.

  • Chill and Enjoy

Pop the jars in the refrigerator. Your homemade fig jam is now ready to spread on toast, swirl into yogurt, or enjoy straight from the spoon.

Flavor Tweaks for Jamie Oliver Fig Jam

  • Sweeten Your Success: Experiment with different types of sugar like brown sugar or honey to add depth and complexity to your fig jam's flavor profile.
  • Spice It Up: Introduce warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom during cooking to create a more sophisticated and aromatic preserve.
  • Texture Twist: For a chunkier jam, leave some fig pieces larger or mash the fruit less during cooking to maintain more fruit texture.
  • Preserve Like a Pro: Sterilize your jars in boiling water for maximum food safety and longer refrigerator storage time, ensuring your jam stays fresh and delicious for weeks.

Best Uses for Jamie Oliver Fig Jam

  • Breakfast Bliss: Spread this luscious fig jam on warm, crispy toast or fluffy pancakes for a delightful morning treat that bursts with natural sweetness.
  • Cheese Companion: Pair the jam with creamy brie, sharp cheddar, or tangy goat cheese on a charcuterie board for an elegant appetizer that wows guests.
  • Baking Booster: Swirl the jam into muffin batters, use as a filling for pastries, or drizzle over vanilla ice cream to elevate your dessert game with rich fig flavor.
  • Gourmet Gift: Package the jam in decorative jars with a ribbon for a homemade, thoughtful present that showcases your culinary skills and love of cooking.

Storage & Sealing Jamie Oliver Fig Jam

  • Maximize Your Fig Jam Enjoyment: Smart Storage Solutions
  • Quick Cooling Technique: Let jam jars sit undisturbed at room temperature for 2-3 hours to prevent condensation and seal properly.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store sealed jars in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back shelf, where temperature remains most consistent.
  • Shelf Life Mastery: Homemade fig jam stays fresh for 4-6 weeks when refrigerated. Always use clean utensils when scooping to prevent bacterial contamination.
  • Creative Serving Suggestions: Transfer small portions to decorative serving dishes before meals. Keep remaining jam in original jar to maintain longer freshness and prevent unnecessary exposure.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 190 kcal

Servings: 8

Jamie Oliver Fig Jam: What to Prepare

For Fruit Base:
  • Fresh Figs: Select plump, deeply colored figs without bruises or soft spots for the most intense flavor.
  • Sugar: Choose granulated white sugar for clean, classic sweetness that balances the fig's natural richness.
For Liquid Enhancers:
  • Water: Use filtered water to ensure pure, clean taste without mineral interference.
  • Lemon Juice: Pick fresh lemons with bright, firm skin for maximum natural pectin and bright citrus notes.
For Preservation Essentials:
  • Glass Jars: Select clean, sterilized jars with tight-fitting lids to maintain jam's freshness and prevent contamination.

Tools Required for Jamie Oliver Fig Jam

  • Large Nonreactive Saucepan: Perfect for cooking down figs without any metallic reaction.
  • Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps ensure accurate liquid and sugar measurements.
  • Sharp Knife: Used for chopping or preparing figs before cooking.
  • Clean Glass Jars (1/2-pint): Essential for storing and preserving the homemade fig jam.
  • Spoon: Helps test jam consistency and transfer jam into jars.
  • Cooling Rack: Provides a safe space for jars to cool at room temperature.
  • Refrigerator: Necessary for storing the finished jam and maintaining freshness.
Print
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Rustic Jamie Oliver Fig Jam Recipe

Rustic Jamie Oliver Fig Jam Recipe


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4.8 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Jamie Oliver’s fig jam blends sweet Mediterranean figs with warm spices, creating a luscious spread perfect for morning toast or cheese pairings. Homemade preserves connect you to simple culinary pleasures and seasonal ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs (907 g) figs, green or purple, stemmed and cut into ½-inch pieces
  • 1 ½ cups (300 g) sugar
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsps (90 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Chop figs and combine with sugar in a nonreactive saucepan, letting them mingle and release moisture for 15 minutes with occasional gentle stirring.
  2. Liquid Integration: Add water and lemon juice, elevating the mixture to a vigorous boil while whisking to ensure complete sugar dissolution and prevent crystallization.
  3. Simmering Transformation: Reduce heat to medium, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and thicken. Watch for a syrupy consistency that cascades slowly from a spoon, typically achieved in 20-25 minutes of careful cooking.
  4. Jarring Process: Carefully transfer the molten jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving minimal headspace to facilitate proper sealing and preserve the vibrant fig essence.
  5. Cooling and Storage: Let jars rest at room temperature until completely cooled, then seal tightly. Refrigerate the jam, which will maintain its rich flavor profile for up to three months when stored correctly.

Notes

  • Macerate Masterfully: Let sugar and figs sit together for 15 minutes to develop deep, rich flavors and help sugar dissolve naturally before cooking.
  • Watch Consistency Closely: Aim for a thick, slow-dripping syrup that coats the back of a spoon, indicating perfect jam texture without overcooking.
  • Sterilize Smartly: Use clean, hot glass jars to prevent bacterial growth and ensure your homemade fig jam stays fresh and safe for consumption.
  • Refrigerate Responsibly: Store jam in sealed jars and consume within 3 months for the best taste and quality, keeping it chilled to preserve its vibrant flavor profile.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: British

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 49 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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