What's In Season: Figs | The City Cook, Inc. (2024)

FAQs

What is the season for figs? ›

Typically, figs feature two main cropping seasons annually. The first, known as the “breba” crop, appears in late spring to early summer, while the second, or “main” crop, matures from late summer to early fall.

Selecting. There are two seasons for domestic fresh figs; the first or "breba" season is the first few weeks in June. The second or "new wood" season typically runs from August through October. The most common variety is the Black Mission fig followed by the Brown Turkey fig and the Green Kadota fig respectivly.

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. Always cut off the stem. Wash the figs and gently pat dry to serve whole.

Apple, blackberry, blood orange, elderberry, honeydew, nectarine, orange, peach, pear, persimmon, raspberry, spinach, tamarind. Almonds, basil, cardamom, cinnamon, coriander, hazelnuts, mint, rosemary, thyme, vanilla, walnuts.

With figs, you get one smaller harvest in early summer and then a larger one either in late summer or early fall. Prices stay fairly consistent, though you might find figs a little dearer during winter.

The best time to plant a fig tree is late winter or spring – it will have plenty of time to establish before cold weather sets in. It will need a deep hole, as it has a long tap root. It's thought that figs do best when their roots are slightly restricted.

When it comes to raw fruit, you can easily have 2-3 figs in a day. If you are having dried figs, stick to 3 figs and do not have them without soaking overnight. Our body can absorb the nutrients and digest some dried fruits and nuts in a better way when they are soaked well.

Since fresh figs are perishable, they need to be kept in the refrigerator, between 32ºF-36ºF. Like strawberries, which can get moldy if exposed to too much moisture, it's generally not recommended that you wash figs as soon as you bring them home from the market.

Dried figs are high in sugar and calories, so they should be eaten in moderation.

Can you freeze figs? ›

Like many other fruits and vegetables, figs can easily be frozen and used in a variety of dishes. This year when fig season comes around, make sure to buy a few extra pounds to freeze and eat in the future. You can swap fresh for frozen figs in many recipes such as this one for easy Fig Bread.

The black figs are the most reliable for eating fresh. These are mainly Black Mission and Brown Turkey varieties. Missions can be exquisite, and Turkeys are usually very good if you are sure to get them very ripe.

Served with cheese

Plump, fresh figs pair well with a wide variety of cheeses, from crumbly, sharp stilton to creamy brie.

So if you'd like to give figs to your dog, only fresh fruit should be used. In addition to avoiding dried figs, dogs should also avoid eating any part of a fig plant, which is considered toxic to dogs. Eating any part of the plant—including leaves, branches, and bark—can lead to rashes, skin irritations, and drooling.

Take figs (anjeer), for instance. These tiny, dry fruits are packed with essential minerals and vitamins and can aid in weight loss. You can enjoy them as is or soak them overnight and drink their water the next morning.

Keep in mind that while most figs bear fruit in June through August, there are a few that ripen later, and that means you can possibly have figs for months if you take the time to plant those different varieties that bear fruit later into October and November.

Most of the activity in the orchards begins in May as the fruit appears on the tree and culminates in October when the final “picking” of the dried fruit is completed.

Fresh figs are available all year round, but a much heavier and sweeter crop appear in late summer and Autumn so enjoy them at their best from June to October.

Fresh figs are in peak season mid to late summer, and dried figs are delicious all year round! We love both fresh & dried figs and have gathered some recipes to get you inspired!