My grandmother has a fig tree in her backyard and she always gives me a ton of them when they are in season. I love this fruit and I would really like to keep them in stock especially during days when they are hard to find. Could I freeze them for longer storage?
Figs are very tasty fruits that you could eat plain, add on top of salads, or mix up with some of your recipes.
Fresh figs do not last very long when they have ripened, but you can preserve them before storing them to make the figs last for months. You can either freeze fresh figs immediately, or you could can them first and preserve them in syrup as a more secure way of storing your figs. However, frozen figs will not taste the same as fresh ones, and their texture will also change.
Can You Freeze Figs
Figs cannot be kept long over the counter, they could last for 2-5 days. When refrigerated, figs could be stored for up to 7 days, but if frozen, fresh figs could be kept for 6-8 months.
Freezing figs would cause them to change the texture. When they are thawed, they turn soft or mushy, but it is still good to freeze them for longer storage.
Fresh figs, just like other fruits, are also likely to discolor. When storing them, be sure to add some citrus acid to help keep them looking good.
You can tell when fresh figs have gone bad when they produce a sour smell. You may notice a white powdery form appearing on the figs, but these could just be its natural sugars. However, you must also be cautious of mold growing on them. If you cannot tell the difference between the natural sugars and the mold, it is best if you just throw them away to be safe.
It is recommended not to place figs near other fruits and vegetables in your storage area. This is because figs produce ethylene gas that causes others to deteriorate faster. Keep the figs in a separate container or put them at the back of your fridge or freezer.
It is important to choose fresh figs for freezing, those that are soft but not mushy. Figs must be picked ripe from trees because they do not ripen once they have been picked.
How to Freeze Figs
Freezing figs can be done in two ways – either by putting them directly into the freezer or by preserving them in syrup and then freezing them.
- Wash the figs in cool water. Be sure to sort out the figs that are overripe because they do not freeze well.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel and then lay on a baking sheet with the paper lining.
- Place the baking sheet in the freezer until the figs have frozen.
- Transfer the figs in airtight freezer bags. Don’t forget to label the bags with the date you got the figs, and then place them back in the freezer.
- If you want to can figs, omit steps 2, 3, and 4. Boil the figs in syrup for 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of your choice of acid in the canning jars, and then place the figs in them. Pour in the syrup to submerge the figs. Seal well and then place them in the freezer.
How To Use Up Extra/Leftover Figs?
Figs are delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Here are five ideas for using up extra or leftover figs:
1. Add them to your morning oatmeal or yogurt. The sweetness of the figs will complement the oats or yogurt perfectly.
2. Make a fig jam. Fig jam is easy to make and can be used as a spread on toast, as a filling for cakes or tarts, or simply eaten on its own.
3. Use them in a salad. Figs pair well with greens and other fruits, making them a great addition to salads.
4. Grill them! Grilled figs make a tasty and unique addition to any meal. Simply cut the figs in half and grill them for a few minutes until they are soft and slightly charred.
5. Enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack. Figs are naturally sweet and make a great healthy snack on their own.
Figs Recipes
Check out this delicious Baked Sweet Figs with Yoghurt recipe, perfect for those who are health-conscious. Now you wouldn’t have to skip dessert!
Feeling fancy today? Try making this Caramelized Figs with Balsamic Vinegar, Rosemary, and Ricotta for dinner. Find the recipe here:
Try making some Fig Marmalade to pair up with your favorite type of bread or biscuit instead of using the usual strawberry or blueberry jam. See the recipe here:
Wrap Up
Yes, you can freeze figs. Frozen figs will last for 9-12 months in the freezer if stored properly. You can use them throughout the year and enjoy their rich taste. Here is how to freeze them: rinse the fresh figs under water, wipe dry with a paper or cotton towel, trim their stems and cut in half, remove the seeds if you prefer seedless figs, put them in a single layer on baking trays, freeze for about 2-4 hours, transfer to a freezer bag, gently push out all of the air while sealing tightly (to avoid freezer burn), label with the date, and put in the freezer.
Let me know how it goes when you try freezing figs! Share your experience and questions in the comment section below.
