Territory Acknowledgement
We live and work on unceded Coast Salish Territories*, specifically of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples. Many of our practices, including: our organizational structure, the seeds we plant, the trees we harvest, the ways we educate, and our methods of growing food, came to these lands through the ongoing process of dispossession and colonialism. We seek to hold this understanding in our interactions and engagements with this land and its people.
* The term Coast Salish is used to encompass a number of Indigenous peoples, including the lək̓ʷəŋən People, known today as the Esquimalt and Songhees, Hul’qumi’num, Klahoose, MALAXEt, Musqueam, OStlq’emeylem, Pentlatch, Scia’new (Beecher Bay), Sliammon, Shishalh, Skxwú7mesh-ulh Úxwumixw, Stó:lo, Straits, Tsleil-Waututh, T’Sou-ke, W̱SÁNEĆ (Pauquachin, Tsartlip, Tsawout, Tseycum), and Xwemalhkwu.
FAQs
Ripe figs will droop off of the branch and have a soft texture similar to a water balloon. Ripe figs also have pink seeds and may have a drop of juice at the bottom of the fig. Check out our video for tips on how to know your figs are ready to eat!
How to tell if 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.
When to prune a fig tree in Victoria, BC? ›
The best time to prune fig trees is in the winter, while the trees are dormant. Newly planted figs should be pruned after the tree's first growing season, before a new flush of spring growth. Upwards of 50% of the first year's growth can be trimmed off to create a stout, sturdy trunk.
What month are figs ripe? ›
Fresh figs are not tasty until soft and ripe. Therefore, pick them just as the fruit begins to soften. The fig varieties common to Texas usually ripen their fruit during July or August but because of winter freezes, fruit harvest can be delayed until new growth is forced out.
Can you pick figs early and let them ripen? ›
Wait until the figs are ripe to harvest. Figs will not continue to ripen after they are picked like many other fruits. You can tell that it is time for harvesting figs when the fruit necks wilt and the fruits hang down. If you pick a fig fruit too early, it will taste horrible; ripe fruit is sweet and delicious.
How do I make sure my figs ripen? ›
To do this, simply dip a Q-tip in some olive oil and brush it lightly over the little belly button on the bottom of the fig, opposite the stem. Anointing the figs like this helps seal the eye of the fruit, preventing ethylene gas from escaping and encouraging the fig to ripen faster.
How do you know if figs are good to eat? ›
When choosing figs, look for ones that are plump but still give a little when touched. Figs don't ripen after being picked, so avoid ones that are very firm. Fresh figs are delicate and do not last very long. Make sure to store them in the refrigerator and eat them within a week of purchasing.
What does a fig look like when it's ready to pick? ›
Go by the appearance. The fruit itself will hang in a droopy way on the tree as it ripens. This is true for figs regardless of mature color. Young, firm figs tend to stand out and away from the tree.
Can you eat a fig right off the tree? ›
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. Always cut off the stem.
Can you eat unripe figs? ›
Common Questions Answered. Are unripe figs safe to eat? Yes, unripe figs are safe to consume.
Green figs will not ripen off the tree. Figs picked just before full ripeness will continue to soften and become sweeter if left in a dry location with a moderate temperature. For more information on growing and producing figs, see HGIC 1353, Fig.
How often should I water a fig tree? ›
It's important to note that even if you're in the midst of a brown-lawn drought, you don't want to water too much. Once every 10 days or two weeks is plenty.
Do figs ripen on the counter? ›
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.
Can you eat figs raw? ›
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.
Why do figs take 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.
