Sweet and tangy, this small labour of love is a fabulous homemade gift, served alongside a cheeseboard or lathered on scones. 

Sour fig jam 

Makes 5 Cups 

Ingredients

500g dried sour figs water, for soaking 
1 Tbsp salt 
2 cups sugar 
1 star anise 
1 cinnamon stick 
2 cardamom pods 
2 strips orange zest  

Method 

1. Remove all hard and hairy bits of figs (use a pair of scissors to snip the tops, but make sure not to cut the insides). 
2. Combine 2 cups water and salt. Pour over figs to cover and soak overnight. 
3. Drain and rinse figs. 
4. Combine sugar, 1L water, spice and orange peel in a pot. Bring to a simmer and stir until sugar has dissolved’ (about 5-8 minutes). 
5. Add figs and simmer over low heat for 21/2 hours. 
6. Remove whole spices and citrus peel, then blitz with a stick blender, if you -, like, until smooth. 
7. Spoon into sterilised jars, seal and cool completely before refrigerating.

Compiled by: Sjaan Van Der Ploeg
Photographs: Zhann Solomons, Fresh Living Magazine 

Also read: Baked Camembert with red onion jam