The Best Italian Breakfast: The Morning Ritual of Alba’s Finest Fig Jam

Breakfast Made Simple With A little Help From Italy's Finest Produce

In Italy, breakfast—or prima colazione—is a celebration of simplicity. It is a moment to pause before the day begins, defined by the aroma of fresh coffee and the sweet, honest flavours of the land.

At the heart of our breakfast table, there is a truly exceptional preserve: Carluccio’s Confettura di Fichi. Sourced by Anthony Carluccio himself from a family-run farm in Alba, deep in the hills of Piedmont (Piemonte), this jam is a testament to the ancient traditions of the Langhe—a region world-renowned for its agricultural soul. 

From the Orchard to the Jar: The Art of the Harvest

What makes our Fig Jam so special isn't just the fruit, but the rhythm of its creation. Our producer works in harmony with nature, harvesting only when the fruit reaches its absolute peak of ripeness.

• Purity Over Plenty: Quality always takes precedence over quantity. We only produce what the land is willing to give each season.

• The Morning Mist: The figs are harvested strictly by hand in the early hours of the dawn. By picking them while they are still cool and plump, we ensure the heat of the midday sun never touches the delicate skins, preserving their natural minerals and fibre.

• Speed is Essential: To lock in the nutritional value and vibrant taste, the fruit is processed manually within mere hours of leaving the tree.

The "Open-Air" Tradition

Our producer eschews modern industrial shortcuts in favour of the "open-air" method—the classic technique used for generations.

The hand-cleaned figs are simmered with cane sugar in large open pots. This allows the water to evaporate naturally, resulting in a jam with a dense, luxurious consistency. This process requires constant, manual stirring to ensure even heat distribution, allowing us to monitor the density by eye until it is exactly right.

The result? An incredible 155g of fresh figs are used for every 100g of jam. With no added pectin or preservatives, it is simply the authentic taste of an Italian summer captured in glass.

Beyond Toast: How to Enjoy Your Fig Jam

While we believe there is nothing quite like a thick layer of fig jam over salted butter on crusty toasted bread, this preserve is a versatile star in the kitchen:

• The Cheese Board: The jam’s natural honeyed sweetness is the perfect partner for creamy goat’s cheese or aged Pecorino.

• The Piedmontese Tradition: Serve it alongside cold cuts of meat for a sophisticated, savoury-sweet contrast.

• Baking with a Twist: Use it as a rich, textured alternative to strawberry jam in a Victoria Sponge, or spread it generously inside a warm croissant.

• Pizza: You might even recognise it from upmarket pizza menus, where its sweetness balances salty Italian ham beautifully. Try it yourself! 

Other Italian Breakfast Items To Start Your Day

A true Italian breakfast isn't complete without the supporting cast. To recreate the experience at home, pair your fig jam with our other morning essentials:

• Organic Italian Wildflower Honey: A golden, floral nectar that is spectacular drizzled over yoghurt or stirred into a morning tea.

• Carluccio’s Coffee: Whether you prefer the refined Milano, the balanced Roma, or the intense Napoli roast, a freshly brewed moka pot is the essential companion to your jam-slathered toast.

Experience the authentic taste of Alba. Shop Carluccio’s Fig Jam & more in our online deli today.