What’s a girl to do when she buys a giant bag of organic dried figs from Costco?? Oh yes, make some Easy Fig Jam, of course.
I’ve loved figs since the first time I tried them, but my love has grown since finding out how amazing they are for your mood! Figs contain a good deal of tryptophan, which is an amino acid that boosts the production of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters said to be responsible for balancing mood, among other things. The cool part is that Tryptophan found in natural food sources, like figs, actually does the same thing that pharmaceutical drugs like Prozac do, but naturally. I love nature.
So next time you accidentally purchase an obscene amount of dried figs, or perhaps you have just run out of jam or your usual preserves, or jelly, and feel like making your own for a change, try this out! It’s incredibly easy, and super tasty.
Be sure to comment below and let me know what you think! And take a picture and #insightfulbite on Instagram!
Thanks for reading, enjoy!
| Easy Fig Jam | Print |
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup dried figs, about 8
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional for more sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan.
- Chop the figs into small pieces and add to the boiling water. Simmer on low for 10 minutes.
- Carefully add the figs and water that it simmered in to a blender, and blend/pulse until mostly uniform in texture. Some small chunks are OK.
- Return to saucepan over low heat and stir in lemon juice, maple syrup (if using), and chia seeds. Stir for one minute and remove from heat.
- Let cool, then transfer to an airtight glass jar and place in the refrigerator overnight, or at least 3 hours.
- Spread jam on your morning toast with your favourite nut butter or cream cheese. Add it to a cheese board, or use as a sandwich spread with brie cheese and arugula!
