Fig Spread

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Gluten Free - Dairy Free - Refined Sugar Free 

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I’m referring to this as Fig spread because I’m not sure what the technical difference is between jam and compote. I do know that they are used in different ways and this jar of figgy goodness does just that.

Made without artificial fillers or preservatives, this jam utilizes fresh ingredients and is thickened with chia seeds. The seeds are tasteless and gelatinized, so there’s no added crunch from their presence. You get to choose which natural sweetener to use, honey or maple syrup (I won’t box you in!) and you can keep some on hand in the refrigerator for immediate use, while freezing another jar for future use.

While this does taste great on a piece of toast, I find myself eating it straight from the jar with a spoon and recommend that as the number one way to consume. It’s also divine over Simple Mills gluten free crackers with goat cheese or added to chia pudding or a bowl of warm oats.

Fig Spread

Prep Time: 10 min., Cook Time: 20 min., Total Time: 30 min.

Fig Jam

Makes: ~ 1 pint of jam

 

Ingredients

  • 2 1⁄2 cups stemmed & chopped figs (~10-12 figs)

  • 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

  • 1⁄4 cup raw honey (or maple syrup)

  • 1⁄4 tsp. ground black pepper

  • 1 Tbsp. chia seeds

 

Directions

  1. Combine figs, lemon juice, honey, and black pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 10 minutes, so that the figs can begin to breakdown and liquefy.

  2. When ready, pour the fig mixture into a medium sized pot over medium/high heat until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The mixture will reduce and thicken some.

  3. Remove from heat and stir in the chia seeds. Let sit, uncovered, for a minimum of 10 minutes before serving (the longer the better to let the chia seeds soften and gelatinize). Cool completely before sealing and storing.

Pro Tips

Flavor: to adjust the flavor, feel free to add more/less fresh ground black pepper. Get funky with your future fig spread options and play with other flavors/textures (ginger, cinnamon, berries, toasted sesame seeds, etc.).

Storage: fig spread will keep for 7 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Spread can also be frozen in a sealed container, leaving 1-inch headspace to prevent cracking, for up to 2 months.

Figs

Let us know what you think in the comments section below.