A large fig tree bears numerous juicy, sweet fruits in autumn, which ripen within a few weeks. Since the figs should be harvested when they are fully ripe, it can happen that you have to store or process a lot of fruit in a very short time.

The right level of maturity

You can tell the degree of ripeness of the fig by pressing your finger: if the fruit gives way slightly, the fig is ripe. However, if it already feels very soft or musty, the fig has already started to ferment inside and you should no longer eat it. If the fig tastes bitter, it was stored too long.

Always store figs in the fridge

If you want to keep figs for a few days, place them side by side in the fridge. To avoid bruising, do not stack the figs on top of each other and make sure the sides of the fruit are not touching. Stored in this way, the ripe figs will keep for about three days. You can keep fruits that are not yet ripe for a little longer; however, these do not always fully mature.

Take the figs out of the fridge a few hours before eating and keep them at room temperature. This is how the fruit unfolds its full aroma.

Preserve figs by freezing

You can freeze fully ripe figs. Follow these steps:

  • use only fruit that is in good condition
  • Wash the figs well and cut in half
  • Boil a syrup solution made from one part sugar, two parts water and a squeeze of lemon
  • Soak the figs in the sugar solution for three minutes
  • Pour figs into suitable containers and shock freeze

Boil figs

If you want to preserve the fruit, you should use slightly harder fruit, because they do not fall apart during the cooking process. Alternatively, you can use figs to make delicious chutneys, fruit sauces and jams. An exotic specialty is fig mustard, which you can easily prepare yourself from medium-hot mustard, figs and red wine.

dry figs

Dried figs are a particular specialty during the winter months. To dry, cut the fruit in half and spread it out flat on a grid. You can dry the fruit covered with a permeable cloth for several days in the sunlight or alternatively in the oven at the lowest temperature. Leave the oven door ajar to allow the evaporated moisture to escape. Drying devices are very well suited for drying figs and are worth buying if you want to process a large quantity of figs from the garden every year.

tips and tricks

Dried figs are an important part of numerous oriental dishes. Due to their delicate sweetness, the fruits give the dishes a special touch.

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The garden journal freshness ABC

How can fruit and vegetables be stored correctly so that they stay fresh for as long as possible?

The garden journal freshness ABC as a poster:

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Indoor plants