Fall Ingredient Essentials: Figs

Known for their sweet, chewy flesh, smooth skin, and crunchy center, figs are nature’s candy. Since these delicate and luxurious fruits are so perishable, they are a treat when enjoyed fresh. Used for centuries as a natural sweetener, figs are loved for their unique flavor and nutritional density. Figs have the highest amount of calcium of any fruit, clocking in at 16% your daily value per 100g serving, for only 74 calories! Rich in fiber, potassium, Vitamins B and K, figs support your health and your taste buds with every bite!

How do I pick the best figs?

First, congratulations are in order if you’re in the presence of fresh figs. Though your excitement may lead you to just grab cartons of these precious fruits before they’re gone, remember that picking the right figs means you will be able to enjoy them longer. Choose figs that are dry and clean with smooth, plump skin. Steer clear of figs that have cuts, tears, or punctured skin. The fruit should be slightly softened, enough to yield to gentle pressure.

Keep in mind figs do not ripen once picked, so if the fig is very firm, skip it. Skip the mushy figs too, as this indicates they are overripe. Lastly give your figs a whiff. They should smell mildly sweet. If they smell sour they may have begun to ferment. Stems should be pliable and fresh looking. And don’t judge a fig by its color. Their color varies by type.

What can I make with figs?

Figs are often enjoyed raw and devoured in a bite or two. However, they lend themselves well to sweet dessert dishes such as agave fried figs and savory treats including a decadent olive oil, chorizo, and fig loaf. Broiled, boiled, sautéed, baked, candied, dried, poached, or grilled, figs are a versatile ingredient that fits in any recipe that could benefit from a bit of sweetness.

Preparation involves a quick rinse and pat dry. Then slice, dice, and chop to your hearts desire.

Storage? Figs will last 2-3 days on the countertop, but if you aren’t planning on enjoying them within that time frame store them in the refrigerator. Figs will keep fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days. Alternatively, fresh figs can be frozen whole, sliced or peeled and stored in an air tight container or bag for up to a year. 

Next, three delicious fig recipes to help you get cooking…

Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Fig Pinchos

• 1 pound chicken, cubed
• 1 tablespoon garlic habanero bbq sauce
• 4 slices uncured bacon
• 6 fresh figs
• 1 tablespoon agave
• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 4 skewers

Get the full recipe.

Agave Fried Figs

• 15 fresh figs
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons agave
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

Get the full recipe. 

Grilled Flatbread with Chorizo, Figs, and Goat Cheese

• 8 ounces pizza dough, room temperature
• 2 tablespoons flour, all-purpose
• 1 cup goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup shredded habanero jack cheese
• 1/2 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 8 fresh figs
• 4 ounces chorizo, sliced
• cooking spray

Get the full recipe.