A trip to Trader Joe's last weekend enabled me to buy fresh California FIGS and they didn't cost an arm and a leg like at my local grocery store. Recently I used blog friend Sara's recipe for fig preserves. My first minuscule batch turned out great using sweet little green figs gathered from a generous neighbor's tree. I didn't realize that there's apparently quite a difference between green and purplish-brown figs.
I cooked them the same way using sugar and fresh lemons.
But look how they turned out. The original preserves using green figs spread on my English muffin - sweet, smooth and full of lemon flavor. The new batch darker, much denser with many more seeds, and the fig flavor seems stronger. Both are good but I think I prefer the green ones with fewer seeds.
Fig Fact ~ Although considered a fruit, the fig is actually a flower that is inverted into itself. The seeds are drupes, or the real fruit. Figs are the only fruit to fully ripen and semi-dry on the tree.
Illustrations from the beautiful book
FRUIT ~ An Illustrated History
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What beautiful illustrations. I have always wanted to try making a fig presserve....it is good to know that the green figs are better for that purpose!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
Oh, yummy!! I need to make a big batch with pears this week.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pix, Mary!
Hearing you describe this is great but I don't think I would attempt it. I like fig newtons, but that is about it. Love your plate you showed. I went to Trader Joes and came out with nothing.
ReplyDeleteNancy
I am now craving Fig Newtons which is something my grandmother always had in her house. I must admit I never eat figs but last year we tried a new thing with them at a deli we like up north and I did like it. She told us the dish comes from Isreal and you are supposed to serve it with a glass of port. By the way, I love the sound of 'fig fact'. It made me smile to read it.
ReplyDeleteDoes my blog work now for you?
Hugs ~
Heidi
Very interesting, Mary. I didn't know about green figs. Larry's mom always makes the darker fig preserves which I love, but I must tell her about the green ones!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deborah
We love figs, but I haven't ever made preserves. I have an aunt that makes them; I'll ask which she uses.
ReplyDeleteFigs have such a warm taste, don't they. All your photographs look painter worthy and I love your Bridgewater china!
ReplyDeleteMary, I so enjoy seeing all your pretty pictures.... your blog is an inspiration, thanks for so much loveliness.... and by the way, I'm sure you have some lovely windows at your house we all would love to see.... the House in the Roses is having a Window Party this Friday, and wish you could participate.... only thing you need to do is show us your favorite window in your home.... it promises to be fun! come see!
ReplyDeleteHugs
cielo
I made a blackberry fig jam a couple of years ago and it was scrumptious. Your jam looks wonderful. I didn't relize figs were flowers. Isn't it amazing what you learn reading blogs?
ReplyDeleteHi Mary, I was interested to see what happened with the dark figs. I've never tried those; my tree is the green kind.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, as always. I love that illustration in the last photo too.
I wonder how those dark figs would taste in the fig crisp? It might be even better than the green ones. If you make it, let me know!
Sara
Yum...fig preserves! I wish I had some of that to spread thickly on the homemade bread I just removed from the oven.
ReplyDeleteMary, I am so impressed with your fig preserves. How very yummy they look.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that the free figs, green taste better than the dark ones. Mmmmm.
I am suddenly feeling better tonight. A turning point I hope. Knee replacement is tough, but I'm tougher. Sometimes. smile.
Mary, you are so sweet to keep the support and kind visits coming. It means so much to know so many people have concern for me.
Love and hugs, Jeanne
I just love figs - fresh figs, preserves, fig jam - on toast, fresh brown wholewheat bread, scones, muffins or straight out of the jar when no-one is looking! DH Lawrence wrote a very sensuous poem about eating a fig! I am going to post it just for you over the weekend! I have it somewhere. Hope the walking is going well and your fitness level is ready for hikes in Provence and lots of shopping! Always good to visit you. Love Eleanor
ReplyDeleteJust posted the fig poem for you, Mary, and a link to your blog with an admonition to visitors taste/see your fig preserves! Eleanor
ReplyDeleteThose preserves look so yummy. I LOVE figs----I even love Fig Newtons! :-)dana
ReplyDeleteLooks delicious, Mary!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are lovely, as usual!
Hi Mary
ReplyDeleteIt is my birthday by the way. I keep checking your blog. Inspiring indeed. Figs are an interesting fruit actually. Must write a review of the nutritional value, thanks for sharing this beauty with us.
I have a question, favour maybe. I bought an elegant italian display cabinet/ curio. What is the best thing to display in the focal point of a room. I thought miniature stuff like cars, then tea sets. I am all for modern style of decor.
Hope you are doing well.
Soso