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Perfect Small Batch Vanilla Fig Preserves Recipe with Fresh Orange Zest

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A quick and easy small batch vanilla fig preserves recipe infused with fresh orange zest, perfect for homemade gifts or enhancing breakfast and cheese boards.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups fresh figs, quartered
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 vanilla bean pod, split and scraped (or 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract)
  • Zest of 1 medium orange
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup water

Instructions

  1. Rinse and quarter 2 cups (about 250g) of fresh figs. Scrape the seeds out of 1 vanilla bean pod using the back of a knife, then set both seeds and pod aside. Zest 1 medium orange, avoiding the white pith, and measure out 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix the quartered figs with 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar and 1/4 cup (60ml) water. Let sit for 10 minutes to macerate.
  3. Stir in the scraped vanilla seeds along with the empty pod and fresh orange zest into the saucepan.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened with some fig texture remaining.
  5. Stir in the fresh lemon juice. Test thickness by placing a small spoonful on a chilled plate; if it wrinkles when pushed, it’s ready. If too runny, simmer a few more minutes.
  6. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard. Allow preserves to cool slightly before transferring into sterilized jars.
  7. Seal jars and refrigerate. Preserves keep well for up to 3 weeks in the fridge.

Notes

Stir gently and consistently during simmering to prevent sticking and burning. Use organic figs and unwaxed fresh orange for best flavor. Vanilla bean pods add richer flavor than extract. For sugar-free or paleo versions, substitute sugar with coconut sugar or honey but expect texture changes. Preserve thickening can be aided by chia seeds if sugar is reduced. Store in sterilized jars refrigerated up to 3 weeks; freezing is possible but may soften texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla fig preserves, small batch jam, homemade preserves, orange zest, easy jam recipe, fig jam, vanilla bean, fruit preserves

Find it online: https://bitesienna.com/perfect-small-batch-vanilla-fig-preserves-recipe-with-fresh-orange-zest-easy-homemade-tutorial/