Fig Preserves

Directions

1. 1
   Place figs in a large bowl; sprinkle with soda.
2. 2
   Add boiling (3 quarts) water and soak for 1 hour.
3. 3
   Drain figs, rinse in cold water.
4. 4
   Combine sugar and 1 quart water in large Dutch oven. Bring to a boil and cook 10 minutes.
5. 5
   Add figs and lemon to syrup. Cook until figs are clear and tender (about 1 hour), stirring occasionally.
6. 6
   Spoon figs into hot sterilized jars.
7. 7
   If necessary, keep cooking until thick.
8. 8
   Pour syrup over figs, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
9. 9
   Run knife around edge of jars to remove air bubble. Cover at once with metal lids and screw bands tight.
10. 10
    Process in boiling water for 10 minutes.
11. 11
    Yields 4 or 5 pints.