Homemade Paleo Strawberry Fig Jam with a splash of balsamic vinegar balances savory and sweet in a rich, natural spread. Made from fresh strawberries and ripe figs with no refined sugars, this jam is paleo-friendly, low in added sugar, and perfect for toast, cheese boards, or yogurt.
Making jam at home preserves the bright flavors of seasonal fruit and gives you control over sweetness and texture. This small-batch strawberry fig jam is quick and easy to make—ready in about 30 to 35 minutes—and yields a delicious, slightly chunky preserve that’s spoonable straight from the pot.
How to Make – Step By Step Instructions
This natural, low-sugar fig jam is straightforward to prepare. Follow these steps for a flavorful, well-textured result.
- Wash the strawberries and figs. Remove the stems and slice each fruit into quarters.
- Combine the chopped strawberries and figs in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Add the lemon zest, lemon juice, and honey. Adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat and bring it to a rolling boil.
- Reduce to a steady boil and cook for 20–30 minutes, stirring frequently so the jam does not stick or burn. As the figs soften, mash them with a potato masher or whisk to reach your preferred consistency.
- About 15 minutes into the simmering, add a generous splash of balsamic vinegar to deepen the flavor and add balance.
- When the mixture has reduced and thickened to your liking (typically when the volume has decreased by roughly one-third to one-half), remove the pot from heat and allow the jam to cool. It will continue to set as it cools.
- If you prefer a smoother jam, pulse the cooled jam a few times in a food processor or blender, then return it to the jars.
Ingredients
- 1 pound strawberries, chopped
- 1 pound fresh figs, chopped
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup honey, depending on your preference
- Zest and juice from one lemon
- A splash of balsamic vinegar (about 1–2 tablespoons, to taste)
Equipment
- Large heavy-bottomed pot
- Spatula or sturdy cooking spoon
- Potato masher or whisk (or a food processor for smooth texture)
- Half-pint jars for storage (optional: sterilize if you plan long-term preserving)
Tips & Tricks
- Customize texture: mash by hand for a chunky jam, or pulse in a food processor for a smoother spread.
- Stir constantly while boiling to prevent the bottom from scorching—fruit sugars can burn quickly at high heat.
- Figs are naturally high in pectin, so this recipe thickens nicely without added pectin.
- Yield can vary depending on how much the fruit reduces; this recipe usually fills about two half-pint jars.
What to Eat It With
Strawberry fig jam is delicious on warm toast or rustic bread. It pairs especially well with soft cheeses and crackers—try it with brie or goat cheese for an elegant appetizer. Use it as a sweet-savory layer in grilled cheese sandwiches, or spoon it over yogurt or oatmeal with granola for breakfast. It also makes a great glaze for roasted meats or a topping for pancakes and waffles.
Storage and Preserving
Store small-batch jam in the refrigerator for up to one month. If you prefer a longer shelf life, sterilize jars and use a proper water-bath canning method to make preserves that will keep in a cool, dark pantry for many months. Note: figs are lower-acid fruits, so when canning, be sure to combine them with higher-acid fruit or include enough lemon juice to ensure safe acidity for boiling water bath canning.
Nutritional Information (approximate)
Per serving (approximate): Calories: 74 kcal; Carbohydrates: 20 g; Protein: 1 g; Fat: 1 g; Fiber: 1 g; Sugar: 18 g; Vitamin C: 11.6 mg. Nutritional values are estimates and will vary with ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Variations & Serving Ideas
- Add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a strip of vanilla bean while cooking for a warm, aromatic note.
- Mix in a few torn fresh basil leaves at the end for a fresh herb-forward jam that pairs beautifully with cheeses.
- Use other sweeteners to suit dietary needs—adjust cooking time and quantities as needed.
Author & Notes
Recipe adapted from a home-cooking tradition of small-batch preserves. Prep time is about 5 minutes, cook time approximately 30 minutes, with a total time of around 35 minutes. This recipe was originally shared in 2017 and updated in 2021 to reflect helpful notes and serving suggestions.
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Try other homemade jams such as Strawberry Chia Seed Jam, Mixed Berry Jam without pectin, or Blackberry Chia Seed Jam for more naturally sweet spreads.