What is a Fig?

A fig is a tree-grown fruit originating from the Middle East and Asia.  Figs are purple or green-skinned, somewhat pear-shaped fruits from the fig tree.  The insides of figs are usually a bright reddish-orange flesh filled with seeds, all surrounded by a yellowy-white pith.  Their skins are thin and delicate and sometimes wrinkle, which can indicate sweetness.  The fruit inside is usually soft and tender with a crunch from the seeds.  

What Does a Fig Taste Like?

Figs are sweet, often compared to honey and berries.

How Do You Eat Figs?

Figs can be eaten raw or cooked.  Raw figs make regular appearances on cheese boards.  Roasted figs, especially served or stuffed with goat cheese, are a common pairing.  Figs are turned into jams or preserves, bars or squares, and even cakes and compotes.  Many people enjoy their figs dried.  Other popular fig pairings include figs with honey, figs with bacon, and figs with creamy cheeses.

Where Can You Buy Figs?

Fresh figs are usually only available when they are in season, from June to July and from August to October.  They are found in the produce section of the grocery store, but they may not be available in cooler areas.  Dried figs are more prominent year-round, located in the dried fruits and nuts aisle.

How Do You Store Figs?

Store fresh figs in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for 3-5 days, depending on its ripeness.  Fresh figs can be frozen, so place them in a single layer in the freezer then transfer to a sealed plastic bag or airtight container once fully frozen.  Dried figs should be stored in a sealed, airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Fun Fact About Figs

Fig plants can grow in difficult terrains and conditions because of their adaptability.

Did You Know?

Fig flowers don’t bloom on the tree like other fruits.  The flower is inside of the fig fruit.

Recipes Using Figs

Cheese Board

Prepare a delicious cheese board for an easy dessert. Arrange brie, manchego, cheddar, and gorgonzola on a clean wooden cutting board. Serve with sliced figs, crackers, and assorted meat slices.

Figs and Goat Cheese

Figs and cheese go well together! Slice figs in half and place them on a baking sheet. Stuff figs with goat cheese, then drizzle honey and olive oil over the top. Bake for 7-9 minutes, until figs are soft.

Pork Chops with Fig Sauce

Cook your pork in a tangy, sweet sauce. Grab a skillet and simmer fresh figs, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, maple syrup, and chicken broth until sauce begins to thicken. Then, add in pork chops and spoon the sauce over the top of the pork chops while they cook. Top the pork chops with the sauce when serving.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

Put a spin on a classic cookie recipe! Prepare the dough with rolled oats, baking powder, cinnamon, brown sugar, vanilla, and chopped walnuts. Instead of using raisins, substitute dried figs instead. Spoon dough onto a baking sheet and bake until cooked.

Fig and Honey Spread

Create a delicious spread to go on anything from bread to pound cake. Simmer diced figs, water, cinnamon, and honey in a saucepan. After about 30 minutes, remove from heat and add butter. Puree mixture with a hand blender until small chunks remain.