A mong the first fig features largely in history. A common food for ancient Romans, figs aren’t just delicious, figs may offer many different health and beauty benefits. Typically eaten as fresh or dried fruit, figs are also featured in jams and jellies and used in a wide array of culinary dishes. Deliciously fruits cultivated by humans, the humble flavourful, figs can be a regular part of your diet, where they can enhance your nutritional needs and even deliver some surprising health benefits. Prevent Heart Disease: Figs have the power to reduce bad cholesterol in the blood. Figs are rich in the soluble fibre known as pectin, which is adept at eliminating excess cholesterol from the digestive tract before it can make its way into the rest of the body to cause problems. Figs are also rich in healthy fatty acids like omega-3 and omega-6 that can help keep triglyceride levels in check to reduce the risk of heart disease. Cancer Prevention: Figs contain many nutrients that are associated with cancer prevention. Figs are loaded with antioxidants, which are essential for reducing the number of disease-causing free radicals in the body. Additionally, researchers believe that the fibre figs contain can help reduce the risk of breast
Fig Jam
cancer. Women who eat figs after menopause may be able to benefit from the cancer- fighting properties of figs in particular. Promote Digestive Health: Figs are regarded as one of the best foods you can eat if you are suffering from constipation. Eating a diet that includes figs can help keep you regular and prevent constipation from happening in the first place. Because fiber can add bulk to stools, it can also help to guard against diarrhea.
INGREDIENTS
3 pounds ripe fresh figs 1 1/4 cups sugar 1 cup local organic honey 1/2 cup dry red wine 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
METHOD
Strengthen Bones: Figs contain nutrients
Wash the figs. Cut off the stems. If the figs are small, just cut them in half. Cut larger figs into quarters.
like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which are associated with optimum bone health. For instance, calcium is needed to keep bones strong. Diseases such as osteoporosis can also detract from bone health. Figs and their nutrients can protect bone health and reduce the risk of disease and age-related bone fractures. Gorgeous Skin: Figs have long been associated with skin health and skin beauty. Many cultures have used figs since ancient times to treat painful skin blemishes like boils by directly applying a fresh fig to the boil or abscess. You can also make a paste from figs and honey to apply to the skin to rejuvenate and refresh its appearance.
Put the figs in a large stainless steel pot. Stir in the sugar, honey, red wine, and the balsamic vinegar. Cover the pot and let the ingredients sit at room temperature for one to two hours. Remove the cover from the pot. Bring the ingredients to a boil over high heat. Continue to cook over high heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to thicken. Once it begins to thicken, stir constantly to prevent the jam from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning. Test frequently at this stage for the gel point (220ªF on candy thermometer). Once the jam reaches the gel point, turn off the heat. Ladle the jam into clean canning jars, leaving half an inch of space between the top of the food and the rims of the jars. It is not necessary to sterilize the jars for this recipe. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean dishcloth or paper towel. Screw on the lids. For long-term storage at room temperature, process the jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjust the canning time if you live at a high altitude). The jam will keep, unopened, for at least a year.
SPRING 2020 www.pei-living.ca
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