This sweet Fresh Fig Chutney with raisins and apples is the perfect accompaniment for white meat, cheese platters and charcuterie boards. Seasoned with warming spices like cloves and ginger, it also makes for a great DIY Christmas gift idea. See the recipe video below!
This easy Fresh Fig Chutney is one of my favorite ways to eat figs. I love how the added warming spices and the plump raisins enhance their taste and natural sweetness.
I know Fig Chutney sounds a little bit like Christmas, but I eat this sweet and sour chutney all year round, using fresh figs if they are in season or frozen ones if they're not. This Fig Chutney is so good you shouldn't wait for Santa to make some! Not to mention your house will smell amazing of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.
You can serve some Fig Chutney with white meat and it also pairs nicely with cheese, especially all creamy and buttery cheeses like Brie or Jarlsberg.
Or go crazy and use it also as a spread for sandwiches. It's an easy way to take your sandwich to the next level! Remember that amazing gourmet sandwich I told you about last week? I used fig chutney to add some sweetness to it! I'll post the recipe soon.
If you tried this Fig Chutney, don’t forget to rate the recipe below and let me know how it went in the comments – I love hearing from you! You can also follow me on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook for more deliciousness and behind-the-scenes!
Fig Chutney
This sweet Fresh Fig Chutney with raisins and apples is the perfect accompaniment for white meat, cheese platters and charcuterie boards. Seasoned with warming spices like nutmeg, cloves and ginger, it also makes for a wonderful DIY Christmas gift idea for your foodie friends.
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar unpacked
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- 2 cups figs fresh or frozen, stems removed and quartered
- ⅓ cup apple diced
- ½ cup white onion chopped
- ⅓ cup raisins
- ⅓ tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ¼ tsp ground clove
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
Instructions
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Soak raisins in a bowl of hot water for 10 minutes.
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In a saucepan, melt sugar with vinegar. Add the figs, apple, onion, raisins, salt and spices (ginger, clove and nutmeg).
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Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for about an hour, stirring frequently.
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Put the chutney into a jar and store it in a dry place.
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Recipe adapted from french Elle à Table magazine.
Couscous & Consciousness
Totally have to try this chutney. I adore figs, and I'm lucky enough to have a neighbour with a very prolific fig tree who is happy for me to raid the tree as they don't eat them. I have several months to wait for that to happen (it's winter here), but I've bookmarked this for when the season arrives.
Beautiful photos.
Marie
You are very lucky indeed! I bet you have enough figs to freeze some and enjoy them all year round, don't you?
I've seen that you live in New Zealand! I'll be moving to Australia in a couple of months, so I'll be experiencing reverse seasons too!!
Thanks for the photos 🙂
DIANE BROWN
DID YOU MOVE TO AUSTRALIA.
Marie
I lived in Sydney, Australia for about 3 years but moved a couple of years ago 🙂
Sean
We make something similar, but we also add a little chili flake. The heat along with the spices and the fruitiness is wonderful.
Marie
This sounds delicious indeed, thanks for sharing this idea! I'll definitively try that next time I'm making some (that is to say, very soon)
Bindy McClymont
Can't wait to try this recipe as we have an abundance of figs at the moment Can you freeze figs? If so how?
Cheers
Marie
Yes definitely, that's what I do when figs are in season so I have some all year round 🙂 I cut them in quarters, line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the figs in a single layer. Then I put them in the freezer and when they're frozen (about 3-4 hours usually) I put them in freezer bags. With that method, they won't stick to each other and you can take out and thaw just the quantity you need.
Leila
Yum! I have about a cup of fresh figs right now and this looks like the perfect recipe for them! I'm not big on actual canning...How long will this last in the fridge just after it's made??
Marie
At least one month for sure, and maybe even two. But I couldn't tell for sure because it always disappears very fast from my fridge! But make sure to save some until wednesday so you can try a delicious sandwich recipe I'm so excited to share! 🙂
a. smith
Am I missing something? How much sugar?
Marie
1/2 cup, unpacked.
Evie
We had a fig tree in our backyard growing up, and they were so yummy fresh off the tree. It's been a long time, but I still miss them. If I can find some figs, I'm going to try this.
Marie
Yum, fresh figs from the tree, you're lucky! I'm not surprised you miss them 😉 thanks for stopping by!
Esther
i HAVE A BUCKET OF FIGS BOUGHT TO ME BY MY NEIGHBOUR I AM GOING AWAY TOMORROW BUT FIGS ARE TOO GOOD SO i AM BOTTLING THEM NOW YAY I LIVE IN AUSTRALIA AND THE FIGS GROW TWICE A YEAR AND HUNDREDS OF THEM CURRENTLY A 42% DAY BEEN IN THE POOL WITH MY GRANDKIDS
marie
I live in Australia (Sydney) too Esther! The weather is just great, I have to agree with you!! Enjoy the figs when you're back!
Barb
You can freeze the figs too
Sydney
We, too, have a prolific fig tree and need more than just a fig jam recipe in order to not waste all the figs. We just tried making this chutney recipe. Thank you for the good directions; yes, it's a simple process but I appreciate straightforward.
So I think it turned out very nicely. The combination of ingredients thickened up just like it's supposed to and has a nice paste consistency. I like that it has a savory background taste in conjunction with the spices and I'm looking forward to topping some rotisserie chicken with it.
Thanks to Marie-from-Sydney for a great recipe!
🙂 Sydney 🙂
marie
You're so lucky to have a fig tree!! I wish figs were not that expensive here, I need to make this fig chutney again soon! I'm really glad you liked this recipe Sydney! Marie-from-Sydney 😉
Shey
I just made this today and it is amazing! I had to cook it longer than the recipe suggested to really cook out the liquids; maybe 1 1/2 hours? It's so delicious, I may have to hit my neighbor up again for a last picking before fig season is over. And 4+ cups of quartered figs yielded 3 pint jars of chutney.
marie
I'm happy to know it worked well for you Shey 🙂 thanks for stopping by and letting me know.
Shirley
want to take this as a gift. Can it be processed like a jam so it will be shelf stable?
marie
yes definitely Shirley!
Heather
My mother-in-law's fig tree produced a ton of fruit this year, and I made a few trips over to pick them. I made this about 2 weeks ago, and it tastes amazing and is ridiculously easy to make! I used the figs in a few different recipes, but I think this is my favorite.
*Now here is the statement about how I did it differently that everyone hates (myself included).*
I don't care for ginger and didn't have nutmeg, so those were omitted. I used a whole clove instead of ground since that's what I had. With that being said, it was still fantastic. I'm getting ready to make another batch right now. Thanks so much for sharing!
marie
Haha you made me laugh Heather. I don't mind the "i did that" comments, quite the contrary actually 🙂 It's great to know the recipe was still good without these spices. So glad you enjoyed this chutney!
Rose
Can I put put it in containers and freeze as you would freezer jam?
marie
I think it would freeze well yes 🙂
Bridget Priest
I'll have to use dried figs. Do you think it will work?
Marie
I don't think it would, dried figs have a completely different texture. Sorry!
shelley
If you soak the dry figs for a while in water, or spray them and put them in a plastic bag overnight, they should plump up.. Or perhaps you could make up the recipe and let it sit for several hours before you cook it… It would be a bummer to want to make this recipe and only have dry figs. I'd say try it… it will be delicious… My two cents
Tammie O'Geen
I made a batch yesterday and loved it so much made another today. Did each batch x 4. Going to can it tomorrow.. thank you so much for sharing this!
Marie
So lovely to hear Tammie! 🙂
Judy Rowe
Enjoy this on a whole wheat cracker ("Wheat Thins" here in U.S.) topped with a bit of Gorgonzola cheese and piece of walnut--makes a great appetizer.
Marie
Oh yes that sounds amazing!
Neena Gulati
Amazing chutney.....I made with dried figs as I had big pack from Costco sitting in fridge. As figs were not fresh I could cook for 30min only as it was sticking and got thick, also I didn’t have apple cider vinegar so I used mix of normal and balsamic vinegar so may be that’s why 30min was enough. But irrespective the taste is amazing cold or hot both taste fantastic...me and my husband couldn’t stop eating. Oh ya I added Chili flakes as well as suggested in one previous review. Thanks so much for sharing...I will keep making it now.
Marie
Thanks so much for your feedback Neena, I'm glad to hear it works with dried figs as well!
Maggie Voigt
I am an Aussie living in Holland and so miss having a fig tree to plunder. My mum always made fig jam and added a tablespoon of grated fresh ginger. It adds a fresh zest to the sweetness of the figs.
I also make a fig chuntney here in NL and ofcourse always have to use dried figs. I cover them with boiling water and soak overnite. It works perfectly and you seem to get an even more intense fig flavour. I also pine nuts at the end. So yummy all year round!
Marie
I love the addition of the ginger! And it's great to know it works with dried figs as well. Thanks Maggie 🙂
Tracey
My dad has fig trees and has gave me a few kilos and ended up making fig jam for the 1st time the other day and now he has given me another few kilos and thought I'd make chutney this time (as well will be my 1st time). So I have a few questions, this recipe makes about a 300ml jar? Do you cool it down 1st before bottling it up? Do the jars have to be hot (as that's how i did it with the jam)
By the way this recipe sounds amazing, so I'm going to give it a try 🙂
Marie
You lucky girl! This recipe makes about 1.5 cups (255 grams / 9 oz). The jars don't have to be hot and you can pour the chutney while it's hot. I've always kept this chutney is the fridge so I'm not sure if it stores well like a jam.
Miri
Hi Marie,
I'm having a go at this recipe, you don't mention if the raisins are drained. I am assuming they are. It just makes for a very thin sauce. Wondering if I need to add water? Also you don't mention to cover while the mixture is simmering. Again, I assume not?
Marie
Yes you need to drain the raisins, without adding water. It cooks uncovered. Hope you'll enjoy this chutney!
Carole
I have about 10 gallons of Fresh frozen figs. We have about 3 trees. I am going to make preserves and things for the holidays. I want to make this as well for gifts but how long will this chutney keep on the shelf or fridge?
Marie
If you sterilize and seal your jars properly (more info here), it should last about a year on the shelf. Once open, you must keep it in the fridge and use within 4 weeks.
Betty Aldridge
I love this! We have a prolific fig tree and enough freezer jam and chopped figs in the freezer for the year plus, so I was happy to find it. My changes: Golden raisins soaked in hot brandy (other sweet alcoholic beverages would work); 1 tsp grated fresh ginger; 1/2 tsp lemon zest; 1/2 tsp crushed red chilies. I do drain off the brandy after soaking, toss all in the pot at once, store in freezer but next year I may do water-bath. Thank you!!!
Marie
This sounds delicious Betty! Thank YOU!
Siera G
I don't love figs but have a fig tree. it was a shame to leave the figs, so I thought I'd give this recipe a try. It was fabulous! Hubby raved about it. will be making more batches to freeze for year round enjoyment. Thanks so much for the recipe!
Marie
Lucky you! You can make batches and batches of fig chutney now! So glad you and your hubby loved this recipe 🙂
Matilda Hocking
This recipe is easy and tastes great! I made a double batch and Im super happy with the results....thank you
Marie
Super happy to hear Matilda 🙂
Sue
I live in England and have a bumper crop of figs this year. Are your measures in American or Australian cups. Also, as I want to make more do I just increase all ingredients x 3 for example or will it alter the consistency/taste? Hope you can help.
Marie
Hi Sue! It's American cups. Yes, you can just increase all ingredients to make more, it will work fine. Enjoy!
TC
I love how long this recipe has been enjoyed for! Stupid question, first time I am attempting to store figs instead of gobbling them up fresh 🙂 should I peel the figs prior to chopping and boiling to make the chutney? Thanks.
Marie
Not a stupid question at all! No need to peel them 🙂
Jenny
Yummy! First time trying figs. Thinking for Christmas presents. I’m assuming water bath canning in jars is ok?
Marie
Yes I think so! 🙂
Nicole
Thanks you fior this fabulons recipe ! Delicious chutney and a simple, no messing set if instructions. I live on Brussels, Belgium -this year, thanks to a heatwave our tree is buckling under the weight of all the fruit. Off to make my 2nd batch this week -this time I'll add some balsamic vinegar and a bit of lemon.
Marie
You're so lucky to have a fig tree! Bon appétit 🙂
Diane
I made this chutney a few weeks ago, when we didn't know what else to do with our figs aside from jams. Delicious! My mother-in-law likes it on crackers, and I like it best with roast chicken so far. My m-i-l has also made her own batch.
I'm glad to have found your recipe. It has definitely been saved in our collection. I've made chutney twice times now, and I will probably do one more batch as the last of the figs ripen.
Thank you!
Marie
So happy to hear you all love this recipe Diane! I love this chutney with poultry too!
Robin Robison
I am making this fig chutney tomorrow! Looks delicious. I was wondering though, can you double the recipe???
Marie
Absolutely!
Sylvia
I have just made this and also added some dates, as I remember years ago buying a date and fig chutney which I really enjoyed. It is delicious, thanks for your yummy recipe.
Marie
Sounds lovely Sylvia! Thank you 🙂
Vicki moir
I just finished making this. I doubled the recipe cooked for an hr and a half as it thickened really well however ghe apple didnt soften a lot. Not that i mind as the flavour is stunning. Thank you xx
Marie
Thanks for this awesome feedback Vicki, glad you enjoyed this recipe 🙂
Kliewer Terry
Made this lovely recipe today. Delicious! I hale from New Mexico USA, and God has blessed me me with a very prolific fig tree, (brown Turkey figs)
I enjoyed so much hearing the comments from around the world literally, what a sweet girl to answer all the questions and sharing your wonderful recipe thank you. Terry
Marie
Isn't it a wonderful community? I love it when people from all over the word try my recipes 🙂
Chance
I made this with some allspice and "Island Spice Dessert Blend" because I couldn't find my ginger and clove jars, and it turned out really well! Thanks for sharing the recipe. I got the figs from my Memaw, and gave her the link to your recipe so she could try it, too. 🙂
Elizabeth
I made this recipe today, with a couple modifications: used fresh pineapple instead of apples and fresh ginger instead of ground ginger. This recipe is absolutely delicious. My figs are Desert King and they are very sweet and juicy - so, I can probably do with less sugar next time. Thanks for sharing this recipe.
Marie
Very good to hear you can use pineapple instead of apples! Thanks for letting us know Elizabeth 🙂
joan C Rockwell
Just made the recipe and doubled it.. The only thing different I did was add a few pepper flakes. It turned out amazing.. So glad you shared this recipe as I had lots of figs to work up. Thanks..Joan
Marie
I bet the hint of pepper flakes was lovely! Thanks for sharing Joan 🙂
Roz
I live in England and we have had a great yield of figs so I am trying this recipe.So simple and with an apple tree in the garden it’s a winner.
Marie
I hope you love it Roz!
Danéal
Just made this with dried cranberries instead of raisins, to use up some figs from our trees. I'm thinking it'll be great with roast turkey next month. Thanks so much for sharing this recipe. It's fantastic!
Marie
I'm loving this variation!
Kelsey
This is delicious! I'll be making this again.
Three notes for other readers:
I used a mix of dried currants and yellow raisins since that's what I already had in the cupboard, and gave them an extra 10-15 minutes to soften. Definitely drain the water before adding the raisins to the mix!
Doubling up ingredients worked out fine.
I let it sit and thicken for about an hour and a half to two hours, since I was cautious about the bottom burning and probably set it to a lower heat than I needed to (for the last half hour, it was on the absolute lowest setting).
This was a great way to use up the overripe figs in my fridge!
Marie
Thanks for your note Kelsey, and happy to hear you enjoyed this chutney 🙂
Fenna Corry
I have GALLONS of frozen figs from our three fig bushes and made this today (quadrupled recipe) and it turned out great. Actually I used 6 times as many figs (12 cups), but then just 4 times all the other ingredients. I might reduce the sugar a bit more next time I make this since it's still plenty sweet. I canned three pints and have one quart ready for an upcoming Indonesian meal. Thanks for helping me find yet another way to use my bounty of figs.
Marie
All of you with your excess of figs are making me jealous! haha. Happy to hear I could help you with your bounty!
Marilyn
I am about to try this and wondering if I just put it in a jar how long it lasts?
Marie
At least 3 months if you keep it in the fridge
Nico Bronkhorst
I am going to try this recipe, it's a pity that it doesn't last that long, since I have gig jam that was made 7 January 2017 that is still perfect. Since we can't eat fast enough or do more jam, we are going to give your recipe a go.
Marie
Hope you love it too Nico!
Leonie Small
Made this just now and it looks lovely, I didn’t have quite enough fresh figs so I added some chopped sugar plums as well.
Do you make mango chutney? It’s our family favourite.
Marie
That sounds wonderful! I bet the plums blended it beautifully! I LOVE mango chutney -, especially with chicken. I have this Mango Apple Chutney recipe on the blog that you might want to try out. Enjoy!
Margaret Butler
I have just made a double batch of the Chutney. Beautiful flavour going to make some more. My Fig tree is just about finished producing have to beat the birds now from eating them although i have frozen a lot.
Kat
I used two varieties of figs given to me from a neighbour and substituted apple cider vinegar for malt. Divine!
Marie
Sounds delicious Kat!
Robert
Hi Marie,
Unfortunately my attempt turned out a really dry end result. Not sure what I did wrong, but how can I fix it? Please let me know, and thank you in advance.
Have a great day!
Marie
Hi Robert! I'm sorry it didn't turn out for you. If it's dry, you might have cooked it for too long? It's hard to tell if it's salvageable now since I'm not in the kitchen with you but you could try mixing it with a bit of orange juice to make it smoother. Hope this helps!
Sammie Cockrell
This is delicious stuff! I made twice the amount and processed it to be shelf stable so I can use it during the holidays. I used fresh grated ginger instead of the powdered ginger which gave it more heat. Delicious.
Marie
Awesome! Thanks for sharing Sammie 🙂
Susan
Found some figs in my freezer from last year and needed something to do with them. This recipe is delicious. Will definitely be making this again.
Marie
Thanks Susan! This recipe works well with both fresh and frozen figs 🙂
Barbara Plaskett
I love this recipe I do this recipe every year for the last few years since my fig trees have matured. The first time I tried it I used balsamic vinegar because that’s what I had on hand. I also didn’t have raisins, because I never have raisins, but I did have dried apricots and I think I had seen somewhere where people added chili flakes so I did that as well. Second time I tried it I thought I should be true or to the recipe because someone suggested that I couldn’t can it if I used balsamic vinegar. I think it lost some of the flavor with the Apple cider vinegar so I tried one batch with half apple half balsamic. Still prefer the balsamic version. After reading all the comments and then checking your link for the canning process I am still left wondering if Canning using the balsamic vinegar will work. I’ve never canned anything before and I’m nervous about it. I love this recipe so much, I have never used chutney before how I am I complete convert. I’m gonna try it this year with a little less sugar. So again my question is will that work for canning?
Marie
I'm super glad to read you love this recipe and have made it for years Barbara! As for your question re: canning, I'm unfortunately not a canning expert at all so I'm afraid I can't help you. Maybe someone knows and can chime in?
Nick Exton
Fantastic result!
The best chutney in my opinion is made by "Mrs Balls" down in SA. No chance of getting it in Spain and with the abundance of fig trees everywhere I tried this.
Mrs Balls chutney is now 2nd best.
Marie
Oh thanks so much Nick, what an awesome review! 🙂
Janet Massey
Love this recipe. Just recently discovered it, I live in Greece so fig trees everywhere. Just got a fresh batch of chutney cooling and frozen extra figs. Will keep collecting for winter.
Marie
Lucky you! Glad you loved this recipe Janet, thanks for sharing 🙂
Heather
I'm so stoked to make this recipe!
Can this be doubled or tripled using the same ratios?
I want to can it and figure 10 minutes in a water bath canner will do the trick.
Thanks for this great recipe!
Marie
Yes, you can absolutely double or triple it 🙂 Enjoy!
Molly Stearns
Do I peel the fresh figs
Marie
No need to peel them Molly.
Angela Brough
Hi my husband is intolerant to onions, can i leave them out?
Many thanks
Marie
Absolutely!
Amber
I’m about to try this recipe out but can you tell me how you measure fresh fruit in cups please? I have a tonne of fresh figs I want to make gifts from 🙂
Marie
Hi Amber,
I'm not sure I understand your question but basically, you cut the figs in four, place them in the cup and measure 2 cups this way. You don't have to be super precise, this recipe is pretty forgiving.
Hope this helps!
Lisa Millraney
thanks for this recipe! I have fresh figs coming out my ears, have made jam and baked fig cake and eaten them fresh for lunch, and wondered how not to waste the rest. I tweaked your directions a bit, added cinnamon, mustard powder and a hit of chipotle, and mixed dried cranberries with the raisins since I had 'em in the pantry. 😀 it's delicious!
Marie
I love the sound of your substitutions/additions Lisa, thanks for sharing!
RobbieB
Simple, straight-forward recipe with a wonderful flavor profile. Next batch will include some black pepper and a pinch of ground cardamom. Who-hoo, game’s on!
Marie
Thanks so much Robbie!
Cathy Stephens
We have fig trees on some property in Georgia. We brought home some perfectly ripe figs and made this recipe. OMG! It is to die for! We grilled tandoori chicken and served the chutney on the side. We've decided to make this with our Thanksgiving turkey every year. Thank you so much!
Marie
I'm honored and happy you're choosing my recipe for your Thanksgiving celebrations! Thanks Cathy 🙂
Pam Baillie
We have a fig tree with massive fruit. I only needed 2 figs for 2 cups of fruit and originally made double quantity. It was so delicious I made a second batch. It will make nice gifts for Christmas. Thank you so much.
Marie
Amazing! Happy you liked the recipe. Happy holidays, Pam!
Rebecca Lawrence
I made a triple batch of this chutney in my slow cooker. I had an abundance of figs and have never tried fig chutney before. It’s soooo good! I put all the ingredients in and let it slow cook for about 5 hours - it turned out perfect! I used less raisins than the recipe suggested (just what I had left in the pantry) and I didn’t per-soak the raisins
Marie
It's great to know it works well in the slow-cooker. Thanks for sharing Rebecca!