Old Fashioned Fig Preserves

Eating Gluten Free

2 pounds figs

2 pounds sugar
1/2 cup water (if desired)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 package pectin

Steps to making delicious old fashioned fig preserves just like grandma:

1. Cut figs into halves & place in large Dutch oven. Pour sugar over cut figs; toss gently to coat. Place in refrigerator for 24 hours.

2. To cook, remove from refrigerator & allow figs to come to room temperature. Place sugared figs over medium high heat; add water & stir gently. When figs come to a boil, reduce heat to medium and continue to cook for about an hour or until liquid begins to thicken slightly. Add lemon juice & pectin. Continue to cook until liquid is reduced & will sheet off of a metal spoon.

 3. Turn heat off & quickly spoon figs into prepared jars. Add lid & ring. Screw ring on tightly; sit filled jars in cool place free of drafts. The jars will have sealed when you hear the characteristic "pop".

Servings: 20         Yield: 5 half-pints

Total Time: 25 hours and 50 minutes

Nutrition (per serving): 217 calories, 1 calories from fat, <1g total fat, 0mg cholesterol, 6.1mg sodium, 107.2mg potassium, 56.3g carbohydrates, 1.5g fiber, 52.6g sugar, <1g protein.

How to Prepare Jars for Canning:

•  Place clean, empty jars in a water bath canner filled with water. Place canner over medium high heat until water begins to boil; reduce heat to simmer. Leave jars in water until ready to drain & fill.
•  Place lids (not rings) in small sauce pan filled half full with water. Place pan over low heat to sterilize lids.

  Equipment Needed:

• Water bath canner.
• Water bath canning rack.
• Jar Lifter
• Magnetic Lid Lifter
• Jars
• Lids
• Rings 

Author Note:  The key to successful canning without spoilage is to make sure jars, lids & all equipment used are sterilized.



Green figs growing on the tree in my back yard!



Turns yellow-green when ripe!



Cut figs are really pretty--beight yellow outside with a red center inside.



Close-up of a ripe cut plum.

 

Eating Gluten Free