Sugarless Fig/Pear Preserves

4-5 half-pint jars servings Prep: 15 m Cook: 35 m Total: 50 m Intermediate
Everyone knows Cajuns love their figs. Diabetes is unfortunately a problem in Cajun Country, therefore regular processed fig preserves should not be eaten by a diabetic. This recipe will allow the Cajun to have his figs and eat them too! Made with fresh figs or pears, lemon juice, and pectin, sweetened with artificial sweetener instead of sugar.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups figs or pears, cooked
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 package (1 3/4 oz) powdered pectin
  • 8 - 10 packages (1-gram each) of powdered artificial sweetener (or about 2 t. liquid sweetener)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare pears or figs for canning by pre-cooking in water until tender, about 20-25 minutes. Hash the cooked fruit (a potato masher works well).
  2. Place fruit into a large pan or kettle and stir in lemon juice and pectin.
  3. Place on high heat and stir constantly, bringing to a full boil that cannot be stirred down. Boil 1 minute and remove from heat.
  4. Add artificial sweetener. Stir for 2 minutes to thoroughly mix. Two or 3 drops red food coloring improves the appearance.
  5. The above amounts are good guides, but you may wish to sweeten to taste.
  6. Pour into hot, sterilized jars or freezer containers and seal. Store in refrigerator or freezer, because without a high concentration of sugar, the jam will spoil at room temperature.
  7. The jam can be processed in a hot water-bath at simmering temperature for 15 minutes and should keep for a reasonable length of time in a cool place.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why does my jam need to be refrigerated or frozen?

A: Without sugar's natural preservative properties, this low-sugar jam will spoil at room temperature. Either keep it refrigerated/frozen, or process in a hot water-bath for 15 minutes for longer shelf life in a cool place.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of pre-cooked?

A: No, you need to pre-cook the figs or pears until tender first (20-25 minutes in water), then mash them before adding to the recipe. This ensures proper texture and consistency.

Q: How do I know when I've reached a full rolling boil?

A: A full rolling boil is when the mixture is boiling so vigorously that you cannot stir it down - it keeps boiling even as you stir. This is essential for the pectin to activate properly.

Tips and Techniques

The red food coloring is optional but really does improve the appearance - fig preserves should have that rich, deep color. Also, make sure your jars are truly sterilized before filling, especially since this recipe has less natural preservative power than traditional sugar-based preserves.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • powdered artificial sweetener: liquid sweetener (about 2 teaspoons)
  • figs: pears (or mix both)
  • lemon juice: lime juice

Equipment Needed

  • Large heavy-bottomed pot or kettle
  • Potato masher
  • Sterilized canning jars (half-pint size)
  • Hot water-bath canner (optional, for shelf-stable preserves)
  • Canning funnel

Historical Context

Figs have been treasured in Louisiana since the first French and Spanish settlers brought fig trees from Europe in the 1700s. Fig preserves became a staple of Cajun cuisine, spread on biscuits, used in cakes, or enjoyed straight from the jar. This diabetic-friendly version ensures that changing health needs don’t mean giving up this beloved tradition.