Fig jam, a preserve to be discovered

It brings with it all the scent and flavor of late summer: it is the fig jam, an inevitable delight in the pantry of those who love gourmet desserts. The ideal combinations, in fact, are not limited to rusks and freshly baked bread, but extend to desserts and even savory preparations.

Below we will discover the most successful combinations with other foods. From pastry to main courses, to get to the appetizers of land and other dishes of our gastronomic tradition, we will explore new horizons of taste.

Jam and fig jam, are they the same thing?

Negative answer: Although the expressions are used synonymously, there are some differences between the two products in the percentages of ingredients and texture. Understanding what they are is important, to make the best use of both.

Fig jam, in fact, has more sugar and a homogeneous appearance; It looks almost blended and is easily spreadable. The jam, on the other hand, has a higher percentage of fruit, which comes in small pieces. Having less sugar, the latter has a slightly shorter storage time than jams.

Sweet preserve made with figs

While jams are used in the filling of biscuits, fig jam is ideal for filling single-portion pies and tarts. As a base, you can use the sablée dough with ground almonds, the pastry with butter or the one with organic extra-virgin olive oil.

Even croissants made with dough or brisée lend themselves particularly to filling with a fig-based preserve. And if you love brioche, you can’t help but add it to croissants, plum-cakes, Parisian and Danube cake in a sweet version.

Fig jams, gourmet combinations with savory dishes

Contrary to popular opinion, jams and fig jams are not intended for consumption for breakfast or as a snack. These products also lend themselves to pairing with other foods, mostly salty and present in main meals.

The first interesting combination is the one with many types of cheeses, soft and hard paste. Among the first we remember those with washed or flowered rind, such as Brie, taleggio, Camembert and tomino to cook, but also goat cheese, of which it manages to dampen the aftertaste.

Among the second courses, however, you can not miss the medium-aged pecorino, Grana Padano, Parmigiano Reggiano, Montasio and Fiore Sardo, which are also suitable for lactose intolerant subjects.

But the possibilities are not limited here. The jam-meat combination is also successful, especially with game and red meat. Grilled beef fillet, duck breast, roast beef, baked quails, stewed partridges are just a few examples to consider.

Fig preserves, some suggestions for serving

You can serve the jam in single-portion bowls or directly in the dish intended for the guest, taking care not to let it come into contact with other foods. It is not just an aesthetic choice: the heat of the other dishes alters the preserves, making it lose its taste, appearance, aroma and ideal consistency.

For this purpose, we advise you to add the fig jam at the last moment. In this way, it will be able to maintain a bright color and an unmistakable aroma. To avoid smudging on the plate, you can help yourself with a dough cup.

How to choose fig jam?

This is important, but it is still too neglected. We often shop on impulse, without thinking that every product put on the cart will end up on our tables. Here, then, are some suggestions for informed purchases:

• check the label
• verify the origin (and give preference to foods made in Italy)
• evaluate the value for money
• read consumer reviews, as long as they are certified
• make sure of the absence of chemicals, GMOs, pesticides.

What has just been listed is also essential if you decide to donate one or more jars of fig jam, perhaps in addition to captivating gift baskets on the occasion of the most important holidays. Better, therefore, to spend a little more, but focus on quality and safety, for our health and that of our loved ones.