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Easy Small Batch Rosemary Orange Fig Preserves Recipe for Perfect Homemade Jams

rosemary orange fig preserves - featured image

A quick and easy small batch recipe for rosemary orange fig preserves that balances sweet figs, bright citrus, and fragrant rosemary. Perfect for toast, cheese boards, or as a glaze for roasted meats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh figs, rinsed and quartered (ripe but firm)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 small fresh rosemary sprigs, gently bruised
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse and quarter the fresh figs. Zest the orange using a microplane, then juice it. Gently bruise the rosemary sprigs to release their oils.
  2. Place the figs and granulated sugar in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Stir in the orange zest, orange juice, lemon juice, and bruised rosemary. Add vanilla extract if using. Stir to combine.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently. Lower heat to maintain a simmer and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  5. Test the preserves by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let cool for a minute, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it is ready; if not, simmer another 5 minutes and test again.
  6. Remove the rosemary sprigs to prevent bitterness.
  7. Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal tightly.
  8. Let jars cool to room temperature before refrigerating. Preserves will thicken further as they cool.

Notes

Stir gently but thoroughly during cooking to maintain some fig texture without pureeing. Skim off any foam for clearer preserves. Timing the removal of rosemary is key to avoid bitterness. Use the plate test to check jam set. Sterilize jars before filling for best preservation.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig preserves, rosemary jam, orange fig jam, homemade jam, small batch preserves, easy jam recipe, fruit preserves