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Homemade Fig & Honey Jam Recipe with Fresh Thyme

homemade fig honey jam - featured image

A cozy and easy homemade fig and honey jam infused with fresh thyme, perfect for brunch spreads or gift jars. This jam balances natural sweetness with herbal notes and is ideal for canning enthusiasts and beginners alike.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh figs (about 900 g), ripe but firm
  • ½ cup honey (120 ml), preferably local wildflower honey
  • 34 sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice (30 ml)
  • ½ cup granulated sugar (100 g), optional but recommended
  • ¼ cup water (60 ml)

Instructions

  1. Sterilize your jars and lids by placing them in a large pot of boiling water for 10 minutes. Keep warm until ready to fill.
  2. Rinse figs gently, remove stems, and chop into quarters or smaller chunks depending on your texture preference.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped figs, honey, sugar, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Tie the thyme sprigs together with kitchen twine and submerge them into the mixture.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to low and let simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning. Simmer for 30-40 minutes until figs break down and jam thickens.
  6. Remove the thyme sprigs and mash the mixture slightly with a potato masher or fork if you prefer a less chunky jam. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary by adding more honey or sugar.
  7. Using a jar funnel, ladle the hot jam into warm sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean, place lids on top, and screw on bands fingertip tight.
  8. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Carefully remove jars and let cool on a towel or rack without disturbance for 12-24 hours.
  9. After cooling, press the center of each lid to confirm it’s sealed (no pop sound). Label jars with date and store in a cool, dark place. Refrigerate after opening.

Notes

Do not rush the simmer; low and slow cooking prevents burning and brings out mellow sweetness. Stir frequently to avoid sticking. Use fresh thyme tied in a bundle for easy removal and best aroma. Test jam set by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. Adjust sweetness at the end to avoid over-sweetening. Jam thickens more after cooling and refrigeration. If runny, gently reheat and cook longer. For vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, honey jam, homemade jam, fresh thyme, canning, preserves, easy jam recipe, cozy kitchen, natural sweetener, gluten-free jam, vegetarian jam