Figs are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed in many ways. This blog post will teach you how to cook figs and preserve them so you can enjoy them all year long!
Checkout this video:
Introduction
Figs are a type of fruit that come from a deciduous tree. Fresh figs are often eaten as is, or used as an ingredient in various recipes. Figs can be preserved by drying them, canning them, or freezing them.
When cooking with fresh figs, it is important to choose ripe figs. Ripe figs will be soft to the touch and slightly fragrant. Avoid figs that are hard, or have bruising or mold on them. Figs can be ripened by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple for 24 hours.
Drying figs is a great way to preserve them for later use. Fresh figs can be dried in the oven or dehydrator. To dry figs in the oven, preheat oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut figs in half and place on the prepared baking sheet, cut side up. Bake for 3-4 hours, or untilfigs are leathery and slightly shrunken in size. Store dried figs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Figs can also be preserved by canning them. Start by boiling jars and lids to sterilize them, thenFill each jar withfig halves, packing them tightly but taking care not to damage the fruit. Add sugar syrup (equal parts sugar and water) to each jar untilfigs are covered; 1/2 cup syrup per pint jar, 1 cup syrup per quart jar). Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes; let jars cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year
What are figs?
Figs are the fruit of the Ficus carica plant, which is native to Asia and grown commercially all over the world. The tree bearing this unique fruit has large, lobed leaves and fragrant flowers, and the fleshy fruit that it produces has a sweet taste with a hint of raspberry or strawberry. Figs can be eaten fresh or cooked, and they are often used in preserves and baked goods.
Nutritional value of figs
Figs are among the oldest cultivated fruits and have been grown since ancient times. The fresh fruit is a good source of fiber, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They also contain a fair amount of natural sugars, which make them a sweet and healthy treat. Figs can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked.
How to select and store figs
Figs are a delicious and healthy fruit that can be enjoyed fresh or preserved. Fig preservation is a great way to enjoy out-of-season figs year-round.
When selecting fresh figs, look for fruits that are plump and soft to the touch. Avoid figs that are hard or have bruises. You can store ripe figs in the refrigerator for up to two days.
If you plan to preserve your figs, select ripe fruits that are slightly soft to the touch. bruised fruits can be used for preserves, but will not keep as well. Store your preserve figs in a cool, dark place.
How to cook figs
Figs are a delicious, sweet fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, cooked, or preserved. If you have never cooked with figs before, start with this simple recipe for roasted figs with honey and thyme. Figs are a great addition to any meal, whether you are serving them as a side dish or using them as an ingredient in a main dish.
To cook figs, start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the figs in half lengthwise and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Drizzle the figs with honey and thyme leaves, then bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until the figs are soft and slightly caramelized. Enjoy your roasted figs as is, or use them in another recipe.
If you want to preserve your figs, you can do so by pickling them or making jam. Pickled figs will last for several months in the refrigerator, while jam will last for up to a year if stored in a cool, dark place. For pickled figs, start by cooking the figs in a vinegar solution until they are soft. Once the figs are cooked, pack them into jars and store them in the refrigerator. For jam, cook thefigs down with sugar until they reach your desired thickness, then pour into jars and store in a cool, dark place.
How to preserve figs
There are two main ways to Preserve Figs drying and canning.
Drying figs is the easiest way to preserve them. Simply cut off the stems, slice the figs in half, and lay them out on a dehydrator tray. Set the dehydrator to 135 degrees Fahrenheit and let them dry for 12-24 hours, or until they are leathery but still pliable. Store dried figs in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.
Canning figs is a bit more involved, but it allows you to store them for much longer. Start by boiling a large pot of water. While the water is boiling, wash your figs and cut off the stems. Once the water is boiling, carefully lower the figs into the pot and let them cook for 2 minutes. Remove the figs from the pot with a slotted spoon and place them in a bowl of ice water. Let them sit in the ice water for 5 minutes, then drain them well.
Next, make a syrup by bringing sugar and water to a boil in a ratios of 3:1 (for example, 3 cups sugar to 1 cup water). Add the drained figs to the syrup and let them cook for 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes before ladling the figs and syrup into jars. Seal the jars tightly and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Store cannedfigs in a cool, dark place
Recipes using figs
If you love the taste of fresh figs, you’ll be glad to know that they are very easy to cook with. Here are some recipes that highlights the fruit’s natural sweetness.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza: This easy pizza recipe features figs, prosciutto, and a drizzle of honey.
Fig Jam: This jam is perfect for spreading on toast or using as a filling for pastries.
Fig and Goat Cheese Salad: This salad is a great way to use up fresh figs. The sweet fruit pairs perfectly with the tangy goat cheese.
Roasted Fig Ice Cream: This rich and creamy ice cream is studded with pieces of roasted figs.
Health benefits of figs
Figs are a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for bowel regularity, and they also contain a prebiotic known as fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which helps to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Figs are also a good source of minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Side effects of figs
In addition to the numerous health benefits of figs, there are also a few potential side effects to be aware of. For example, figs contain a compound called ficin, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you experience any itching, redness, or swelling after eating figs, it’s best to avoid them in the future.
Figs also contain a relatively high amount of sugar, which can cause problems for people with diabetes. If you have diabetes and want to eat figs, be sure to monitor your blood sugar levels closely to avoid any spikes.
Finally, some people may experience digestive issues after eating figs. If you notice any cramping, bloating, or diarrhea after consuming figs, it’s best to limit your intake in the future or avoid them altogether.
FAQs
1. What is the best way to select ripe figs?
Figs are best when eaten fresh, within a day or two of purchasing them. To select ripe figs, gently press the fruit with your thumb. If it gives to the pressure and feels soft, it is ready to eat. The skin of ripe figs will also have a deep purple color.
2. How do you store figs?
Ripe figs should be stored in the fridge, in a single layer on a plate or in a covered container. They will last for one to two days stored this way. Figs can also be frozen whole or sliced, and will last for several months stored in the freezer.
3. Can you eat the skin of a fig?
The skin of a fig is edible, though some people prefer to remove it before eating. To remove the skin, simply cut off the top and bottom of the fruit with a sharp knife and then peel away the skin with your fingers or a vegetable peeler.
4. What are some good ways to enjoy fresh figs?
Fresh figs can be enjoyed on their own as a healthy snack, or used in recipes both sweet and savory. Try adding them to yogurt or granola for breakfast, using them as a topping on pizza or salads, or incorporating them into desserts such as pies, tarts or cobblers.
