Artificial Food Coloring Free Spiced Fig Jam
Store-bought jams and preserves are a surprisingly common source of hidden dyes — artificial reds, yellows, and blues that have no business being in a fruit spread. This homemade version skips all of that entirely, relying on nothing but fresh figs, honey, lemon, warm spices, and a little water to create something genuinely beautiful on its own. The deep, jewel-toned color you see in the finished jar comes straight from the figs themselves, no enhancement needed. Ceylon cinnamon and ground ginger give it a gentle warmth that makes it taste far more complex than the short ingredient list suggests. You can mash it smooth for an elegant toast topper or leave it chunky for a more rustic spread that works beautifully on a cheese board. The slow simmer on medium-low is where the magic happens — the natural sugars concentrate and the jam thickens into something rich and glossy without any additives doing the heavy lifting. Once you've made a batch, going back to the jarred stuff at the grocery store is going to feel like a real step down.
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Learn more →Ingredients
16 servings
- 1 ½ lb fresh figs, stems removed, roughly chopped
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ tsp ground ceylon cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions
- 1
Combine the chopped figs, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, Ceylon cinnamon, ginger, salt, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the figs evenly.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally, until the figs begin to release their juices and soften, about 5 minutes.
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