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Small-Batch Fig & Honey Jam: Easy No-Pectin Recipe

small-batch fig and honey jam - featured image

This small-batch fig and honey jam is made without pectin, using just four ingredients: fresh figs, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. It’s a simple, foolproof recipe that yields about 2 cups of deeply flavorful, spreadable jam perfect for toast, cheese boards, or gifting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds fresh figs (about 810 medium figs), stemmed and chopped
  • 1/2 cup honey (mild, such as orange blossom or wildflower)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the figs: Wash figs gently, pat dry, cut off hard stem ends, and chop into quarters or smaller pieces.
  2. Combine ingredients: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped figs, honey, lemon juice, and salt. Stir to coat.
  3. Let figs macerate: Let the mixture sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to draw out juices.
  4. Bring to a boil: Place pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until mixture reaches a full rolling boil. Boil for 1 minute.
  5. Reduce to a simmer: Lower heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until jam thickens and darkens.
  6. Test for doneness: Place a small plate in the freezer before starting. Drop a spoonful of jam onto the cold plate and let sit for 30 seconds. Run your finger through the middle; if it wrinkles and doesn’t flow back, it’s done. If still runny, cook 3-5 minutes more and test again.
  7. Remove from heat and cool slightly: Take pot off heat and let cool for about 5 minutes. Remove any added vanilla bean pod if used.
  8. Transfer to jars: Ladle hot jam into clean, sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rims, screw on lids, and let cool completely at room temperature.

Notes

Don’t double the batch; make two separate batches if you need more. Use the freezer test to check doneness. Stir from the bottom to prevent sticking. If jam is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of water while warm. Let jam cool before tasting to avoid burns.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig jam, honey jam, no pectin jam, small batch jam, homemade jam, fig recipe, honey sweetened jam