Fig Preserves

16 cups fresh figs

1 tablespoon baking soda

12 cups boiling water

8 cups white sugar

4 cups water

1 lemon, sliced

In a large mixing bowl place figs and sprinkle with baking soda. Pour the boiling water over the figs and soak for 1 hour.

Drain figs and rinse thoroughly with cold water. In a large Dutch oven combine the sugar and the 4 cups of water; bring to a boil and cook for 10 minutes.

Add the figs and lemon slices to the syrup in the Dutch oven and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Spoon figs into hot, sterilized jars and spoon syrup over figs, leaving 1/2 inch of head space. Top jars with lids and screw bands on tightly. Process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath.