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Spiced Cardamom Fig Preserves Recipe Easy Homemade with Orange Zest

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A flavorful homemade fig preserve infused with warm cardamom and bright orange zest, perfect for toast, cheese boards, and gifting. This easy recipe balances natural sweetness with subtle spices for a unique taste experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900 grams) fresh figs, ripe but firm
  • 1 ½ cups (300 grams) granulated sugar
  • Zest of 1 large orange
  • 8–10 cardamom pods, seeds finely ground
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • ½ cup (120 ml) water
  • Optional: pinch of ground cinnamon or splash of vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Rinse the fresh figs gently under cold water. Remove the stems and roughly chop into quarters.
  2. Crack open 8-10 cardamom pods and remove the seeds. Finely grind the seeds using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  3. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine chopped figs, granulated sugar, ground cardamom seeds, orange zest, lemon juice, and water. Stir gently to mix.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 35-40 minutes, stirring every few minutes until the mixture thickens and figs break down to a chunky preserve.
  5. Test the set by placing a small spoonful of preserves on a chilled plate and tilting it. If it wrinkles and doesn’t run off quickly, it’s ready; if not, simmer a few minutes longer and test again.
  6. Optional: For smoother preserves, push the cooked mixture through a fine mesh sieve or food mill.
  7. Ladle the hot preserves into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) headspace. Wipe rims clean and seal with lids. Let cool completely at room temperature before refrigerating or storing.

Notes

Stir regularly during simmering to prevent scorching and help release natural pectin. Grinding cardamom fresh enhances flavor. Use medium to medium-low heat to avoid burning. Test the set on a cold plate to ensure proper thickness. Optional chia seeds can be added to thicken preserves naturally. For smoother texture, strain through a sieve or food mill.

Nutrition

Keywords: fig preserves, cardamom fig jam, homemade fig preserves, orange zest preserves, spiced fig jam, easy preserves recipe, gluten-free preserves, vegan preserves

Find it online: https://forkmila.com/spiced-cardamom-fig-preserves-recipe-easy-homemade-with-orange-zest/