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Easy Vanilla Bean Fig Preserves Recipe Perfect for Small Batches

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A simple and flexible recipe for making small batches of flavorful fig preserves with vanilla bean, perfect for breakfast toast or cheese plates.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) fresh figs, ripe but firm
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 whole vanilla bean, split and scraped (or 1 tsp pure vanilla extract)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) water
  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse 1 pound (450 g) of fresh figs gently under cold water. Remove the stems, then chop the figs into quarters or smaller pieces depending on your texture preference.
  2. Using a sharp knife, split the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape out the tiny seeds. Set both the seeds and the pod aside.
  3. In your saucepan, add the chopped figs, ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar, ¼ cup (60 ml) water, the vanilla bean seeds and pod, and 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add a pinch of sea salt if desired.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir gently to combine. Once it starts bubbling, reduce heat to low and let it gently simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and skim off any foam that forms on top. Simmer for about 35–45 minutes.
  5. To test if the preserves are ready, place a small dollop on a cold plate and tilt it — it should wrinkle and hold shape rather than run. If it’s still watery, continue simmering and check every 5 minutes.
  6. Once set, remove the vanilla bean pod from the pot and discard.
  7. While still hot, carefully spoon the fig preserves into clean glass jars, leaving a little headspace. Seal and let cool to room temperature before refrigerating.

Notes

Use ripe but firm figs to avoid mushy texture. Simmer gently on low heat to prevent burning. Use the vanilla bean pod during cooking for extra flavor and remove before jarring. Test for set using the cold plate wrinkle test. Small batches allow better control and less waste. Preserves can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig preserves, vanilla bean, small batch preserves, homemade jam, easy fig jam, vegan preserves, gluten-free preserves

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-vanilla-bean-fig-preserves-recipe-perfect-for-small-batches/