Citric Acid Free Fig & Apple Cider Vinegar Jam
Rich, jammy figs slow-cooked with honey, apple cider vinegar, and warming spices — this spread is the kind of thing you'll want to put on absolutely everything. The natural sweetness of the figs does most of the heavy lifting, while the apple cider vinegar adds just enough brightness to keep it from feeling cloying. For anyone avoiding citric acid, store-bought jams and preserves can be a minefield, since citric acid is one of the most common additives used as a preservative and flavor enhancer in commercial fruit spreads. Here, the acidity comes entirely from apple cider vinegar and an optional squeeze of fresh lemon juice, so you stay in full control of what goes into the jar. Ceylon cinnamon and ground ginger round out the flavor with a gentle, aromatic warmth that makes this feel far more special than a basic fruit jam. The technique is straightforward — just one saucepan, a wooden spoon, and about 25 minutes of stirring — and you can leave it slightly chunky or mash it completely smooth depending on your mood. Spoon it over toast, swirl it into yogurt, or pair it with a good cheese board and watch it disappear.
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Learn more →Ingredients
8 servings
- 1 lb fresh figs, stems removed and roughly chopped (or dried figs, halved and soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, then drained)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tbsp water
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Combine the figs, honey, apple cider vinegar, water, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the figs evenly.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula, for 20–25 minutes, until the figs have completely broken down and the mixture is thick enough that a line drawn through it with the spoon holds for 2–3 seconds before filling back in.
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