FAQs
One of the first signs your figs are becoming ripe is their change in color. Young, immature and unripe figs tend to be small and green in hue. For varieties like Brown Turkey, Chicago Hardy, Celeste, and LSU Purple, the color will change from green to brown or purple as the fruit ripens.
Do figs continue to ripen after they are picked? ›
One hard fact about figs is, unfortunately, green figs will not ripen off the tree. However, fruit picked just before full ripeness will continue to soften and become sweeter when they are stored at room temperature in a dry location, such as a pantry.
Will figs continue to ripen on the counter? ›
Basically, a fig which has already started the ripening process will continue to ripen even off the tree, so a fig which is soft and full, but not as sweet and juicy as you might hope, will become riper if you leave it on your counter for a few days.
What month are figs ripe? ›
Outdoor-grown figs will ripen in August through September in zones 6 and 7. Further south, in zones 8 to 11, they will ripen earlier, in June. In warmer climates you can expect two harvests in the summer, the first in June and the second in August.
How to tell when a fig is ripe? ›
Ripe figs are soft and squishy, like a partially full water balloon. Squeeze your fig to test its ripeness–can you easily pierce the skin? If yes, your fig is ripe. If the skin doesn't give under your fingertips, your fig is not quite ripe.
Why are my figs hard and not ripening? ›
Figs might not ripen because of environmental factors, such as temperature, water, nutrient levels and amount of light in addition to weeds, pests and disease. Stress, however, is the main reason figs won't ripen. And, the most common stress factor is a lack of water in high-heat conditions.
Can you do anything with unripe figs? ›
In a climate such as the UK's, where figs don't often ripen fully, it's good to know that this glorious fruit doesn't have to go to waste. Green figs preserved in syrup, or vye konfyt, as they're called in South Africa, can be enjoyed on cheeseboards, pancakes and other desserts, or even eaten straight from the jar.
Should I remove unripe figs? ›
Why are there lots of unripe figs at the end of summer? These are probably figs that formed on the current season's growth and they seldom ripen outdoors in the UK. They should be removed in autumn. Only figs that grew from the overwintered pea-size embryos will ripen outdoors.
Can you eat a fig right off the tree? ›
Preparation. Fresh figs are usually eaten raw. They taste best eaten straight off the tree, ideally still warm from the sun. The entire fig is edible, from the thin skin to the red or purplish flesh and the myriad tiny seeds, but they can be peeled if you wish.
Can you eat figs when they are green? ›
Fresh Green figs can be washed and consumed straight out of hand, drizzled with honey and served with cheeses, or tossed into salads. Green figs can also be used as an edible topping over yogurt, pancakes, and oatmeal, wrapped in prosciutto as an appetizer, or stuffed with nuts and cheese.
Some varieties produce one crop of figs each year, while others produce two. Figs typically form on new stem growth each year and ripen months later. Most fig trees take three to five years to start ripening fruit. Prior to that, figs may form along stems where each leaf attaches, but they won't ripen.
When to pick figs off the tree? ›
Fig ripeness cues include sight, touch, and taste. By sight, ripe figs tend to droop while hanging on the tree or bush, have a larger distinguishable size than the immature green fruit, and with the exception of a few varieties have a change in color. By touch, ripe figs should be soft when gently squeezed.
Can you pick figs green and let them ripen? ›
If it is not very sweet or flavorful, try leaving the rest of the ripe figs on the tree another day or so. Note: It is not recommended that you harvest unripe figs and try to ripen them off the tree. While the unripe fruit may soften after a few days at room temperature, it may not be ideal for palatability.
Why are my figs taking so long to ripen? ›
Factors that Influence Fig Ripening
Soil Temperature: This is the most critical factor. The soil temperature controls our tree's metabolism. If the soil is cold around 30-50F, our trees will grow slowly and ripen their figs slowly. Instead of an average of 90 days to a ripe fig, it may take 120 or 150 in cooler soils.
What is eating my figs at night? ›
A: Figs are super attractive to all types of birds, so the netting is not a bad idea. Unfortunately, other creatures of the night will show up and help themselves once they discover your tree. Opossums, raccoons, rats and mice all like to feast on the soft fruit and can climb the tree to get it.
Do figs have wasps in them? ›
Technically, there is at least one dead wasp per fig. However, you are in no way eating a live wasp. That wasp exoskeleton is always broken down before we bite into figs. The figs produce a special enzyme called ficin, which breaks down the insect's body and turns it into protein that gets absorbed by the plant.
What can I do with figs that don't ripen? ›
Unripe Fig Recipe
- Put the almost-ripe figs directly on the grill, or on foil (or a cookie sheet or baking dish if you're cooking them in the oven)
- Cook until they become soft and the inside starts to ooze out.
- Place in a dish and allow to cool.
- Mix with cinnamon, pine nuts, oregano, honey, and a touch of balsamic vinegar.
How late can figs ripen? ›
Figs typically have two main cropping seasons. The “breba” crop ripens in late spring to early summer, while the main crop matures from late summer to early fall. However, the exact months can vary based on the region and fig variety.
Do figs need sunlight to ripen? ›
Two of the main reasons for figs on a mature tree not to ripen are insufficient sun and lack of water. Figs are sun-loving plants. They have really shallow root systems and so are susceptible to water stress. Mulching can help keep the soil moisture level more even.
What to do with figs after picking them? ›
Top 12 ways to serve figs
- Jams and chutneys. Ripe and juicy figs are ideal for turning into homemade jams and tangy chutneys. ...
- Pies and tarts. Figs + pastry = endless possibilities. ...
- Salads. ...
- Cakes. ...
- Served with meat. ...
- Puddings. ...
- Served with cheese. ...
- Pizzas and breads.
When they're picked overripe, figs can spoil, mold, or ferment. Like most fruits, figs have a short window of peak ripeness and if you can accurately time your fig picking, you can enjoy figs the way they're meant to.
What does a fully ripe fig look like? ›
Go by the color. One of the first signs your figs are becoming ripe is their change in color. Young, immature and unripe figs tend to be small and green in hue. For varieties like Brown Turkey, Chicago Hardy, Celeste, and LSU Purple, the color will change from green to brown or purple as the fruit ripens.
Why do figs fall off the tree before they are ripe? ›
Hi Pam, figs have a very superficial fibrous root system and so are very susceptible to stress caused by drought, which is the most likely cause of the fruit drop, a lack of consistent watering throughout the growing season. Mulching around the tree in spring is good, the bark should help conserve soil moisture.