How to turn unripe figs into a condiment for cheese – recipe | Waste not (2024)

FAQs

What can I do 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.

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.

Figs do not ripen very well once they've been picked, however. Your best chance for getting them to ripen a little more is to leave them on a sunny windowsill for about a day. Once they soften a little more, eat immediately! You can hold them for an extra day in the fridge, but they will spoil quickly.

The best way to enjoy figs is raw, with the skin and seeds intact. You can also remove the peels and scoop out the seeds, if you like, or cook figs by baking, broiling or grilling them. But, the quickest and easiest way to enjoy these gems is by removing the stem and taking a bite right out of the raw fig.

Unfortunately, figs do not ripen further once harvested and will only keep a few days in the refrigerator.

A perfectly unripe fig will taste vegetal, almost like a cucumber.

By placing a nearly ripe fig in a paper bag with an apple or banana, the fig can benefit from the ethylene gas and ripen a bit more.

Unripe figs may have higher amounts of latex, a naturally occurring sap that can cause allergic reactions in some individuals. The enzymes present in latex can irritate the skin or the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as stomach ache or skin inflammation.

Stress is the main reason why fig fruit will not ripen. Fig trees are extremely susceptible to stress, which causes them to slow down or even stop ripening their fruit. The most common stress is lack of water in high-heat conditions. Fig trees have a shallow root system, and irrigation is extremely important.

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 you store unripe figs? ›

Place the figs in a shallow bowl or container or lay them flat on a sheet tray or large plate. Keep figs in a cold part of the fridge if you can find the space, and don't wait too long to enjoy them!

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.

Soaking figs in water overnight softens them. It is said to boost their fiber content. This makes them easy to digest and amplifies their health benefits on digestion.

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.

Yes you can eat figs unripe But there is a problem to some people because it might be caused reaction. Figs contain ficin (ficain). Ficin is similar to other proteolytic enzymes found in fruits, such as papain in papaya and bromelain in pineapple. Eating an unripe fig can cause allergic reactions in some people.

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. As ripening begins, most figs become larger in size and change color.

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.

You can freeze figs whole or cut them in half or even quarters. Wash your figs before cutting or freezing whole, and make sure to dry them well. Lay figs out on a baking sheet in a single layer, and make sure the tray isn't too crowded.