how to store fresh figs

Always handle figs with care as they bruise easily. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. Simply defrost prior to using and take extra care when handling these super delicate fruits. With 2 large fig trees on our property, we end up with several hundred pounds of fresh figs each summer. Read page 2 of the Fresh figs: refrigerator or countertop? Overripe ones won't freeze well, so remove these to be eaten immediately. Store your figs in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. are worth the effort. If need be, they can be refrigerated for 1 to 2 days, arranged in a single layer on a paper-towel-lined tray. So what's the best way to store figs to keep them as fresh as possible for as long as possible? Yes, freeze dried figs in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Figs cannot withstand temperatures much below 20°F, and so they are not available from local sources in much of the Midwest and the northeastern U.S. You’ll want to remove them from the fridge at least 30 minutes before eating, as they taste best at room temperature. While fresh figs at the farmers market are picked ripe or this close to it, figs from the supermarket are picked firm so they can travel. You realistically only have about three days to eat all of your figs. The bad news, however, is that your window for eating a fresh fig is really small even if you do store figs correctly. Wash fresh figs under cool water and sort out any figs that are tender or overripe, as these will not freeze well. They can also be kept on the counter at room temperature. If you really can’t stand to see another ad again, then please consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. discussion from the Chowhound General Discussion, Figs food community. Fresh figs are extremely perishable and should be eaten as soon as possible after purchase. To the sugar syrup, add an citric/ascorbic add mixture bought at the grocery store (for example, "Fruit Fresh") and follow the directions on the package, generally adding about 1 teaspoon per batch. They need room to breathe to keep from getting moldy. Luscious sweet figs are among the oldest cultivated fruits, prized for their honeyed flavor and soft, jammy texture. But really, if you've got fresh figs in your hands, you should probably just eat all of them immediately. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Figs have two seasons: a quick, shorter season in early summer and a second, main crop that starts in late summer and runs through fall. And that's ultimately the best tip to keeping figs fresh: eat them right now. Dried Figs: Use them immediately or store in a plastic bag in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to two days. MyRecipes is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation All Rights Reserved. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. This is because figs do not store well and have a shelf life of only a few days at best. And they start going bad as soon as you pick them off the tree. Oven drying figs is a quicker method than using a dehydrator or sun drying. While you can keep figs on the counter at room temperature, you're going to have better luck at making them last if you refrigerate them. Join the discussion today. Use them immediately or store in a plastic bag in the coldest part of your refrigerator for up to two days. That's because figs are about 80 percent water, making them "very fragile and perishable," according to Harold McGee's book On Food and Cooking. When you get the figs home, keep them at room temperature if you plan to eat them within a day. Straight out of the punnet; stuffed with blue cheese; baked with ricotta and prosciutto; grilled and drizzled with vincotto. Blend on high speed for 1 … Use only ripe figs, which have a plump, tender feel and yield to the touch. Everybody understands the stuggle of getting dinner on the table after a long day. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. They have a high sugar content. How to store fresh figs so they really last Photo by Deb Schwartz. To ripen slightly unripened figs, place them on a plate at room temperature, away from the sunlight and turn them frequently. ", If you don't think you're going to be able to eat all of the figs you bought before they get moldy, or you just want to be able to eat and use them long after fig season finishes, you can also store figs in the freezer. 10 fresh figs would not last three days in my house. You should hear the lids pop as they seal. If you're looking for a simple recipe to simplify your weeknight, you've come to the right place--easy dinners are our specialty. But did you know that figs are technically not fruits but inverted flowers, some of which are pollinated by wasps in an amazing symbiotic relationship? Dried figs are wonderful added to fruit cakes or eaten on their own as a healthy snack. Figs are typically very productive and easy to grow if a couple of important needs are met. And they start going bad as soon as you pick them off the tree. And you knowwhen a fig has spoiled. This is to help preserve color and flavor. Fresh figs can be frozen whole, sliced, or peeled in a sealed container for ten to twelve months. References. Keep ripe fresh figs in the fridge, on a paper towel. They are also a delicate fruit and one of the most perishable foods. Learn more... With their supple skin, sweet-and-seedy flavor, and chewy texture, figs are a summertime treat. For an easy supper that you can depend on, we picked out some of our tried-and-true favorites that have gotten us through even the busiest of days. Storing. Or, store them in a plastic bag in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to two days. Remove dirt by rubbing gently with your fingers. Fresh figs are incredibly delicious. Photo by Natalija Milosevic / EyeEm via Getty Images, How to Store Fresh Figs So They Don't Get Moldy Immediately. Don't stack or crowd them. No forks or spoons required, just easy-to-pick-up party foods, so you can clean up in no time. Fig storage is a bit of an art, but the rewards (fresh figs year-round!) Don't store any jars whose lids don't seal. Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 24,258 times. This article has been viewed 24,258 times. After all, there's nothing more disappointing than splurging on a box of figs only to realize they've spoiled before you've had a chance to eat them. Wash the figs under cool water. Whether you're cooking for yourself or for a family, these easy dinners are sure to leave everyone satisfied and stress-free. Cook over low heat, stirring occasionally and gently, for 2-3 hours. By using our site, you agree to our. While fresh figs are available twice a year, each season is short. % of people told us that this article helped them. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Freezing in Syrup Rinse and dry off the figs to get them clean. Storing Fresh Figs It is best to eat, use, dry or freeze figs as soon as possible after harvest. If properly stored in the refrigerator, sweet, ripe, delicate figs fresh from the … {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Store-Fresh-Figs-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Store-Fresh-Figs-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5d\/Store-Fresh-Figs-Step-1.jpg\/aid9827906-v4-728px-Store-Fresh-Figs-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"