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Easy Vanilla Bean Fig Preserves Recipe for Perfect Canning Season

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A simple and flavorful recipe for homemade fig preserves infused with vanilla bean, perfect for canning season and capturing the essence of fresh figs.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds fresh figs, ripe but firm (Black Mission variety recommended)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust based on fig sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse the figs gently under cold water and pat dry. Trim off the stems and quarter each fig into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Using a sharp paring knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds. Set both seeds and pod aside.
  3. Place the figs, sugar, lemon juice, vanilla seeds, and the scraped bean pod in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add 1/2 cup water and stir gently to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened and figs are soft.
  5. Test for doneness by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles and holds shape after cooling, it’s ready. If not, cook a few minutes longer.
  6. Remove and discard the vanilla bean pod.
  7. Sterilize jars and lids by boiling them in a large pot for 10 minutes and keep them hot until ready to fill.
  8. Using a funnel, ladle the hot preserves into the hot jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean.
  9. Seal jars with lids and screw on bands fingertip tight. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary).
  10. Remove jars and place on a towel-lined surface to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals before storing in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Use ripe but firm figs to avoid mushy preserves. Whole vanilla bean provides superior flavor over extract. Always test set with chilled plate. Keep stirring to prevent scorching. Remove vanilla pod before filling jars to avoid bitterness. If preserves are too thick after cooling, stir in a little warm water to restore spreadability.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig preserves, vanilla bean, homemade jam, canning, easy preserves, fig jam, vanilla fig preserves, fruit preserves, gluten-free, vegan

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/easy-vanilla-bean-fig-preserves-recipe-for-perfect-canning-season/