Are you a fig enthusiast who’s found yourself with an abundance of these sweet, luscious fruits? Perhaps you have a fig tree in your backyard that’s producing more fruit than you know what to do with. Or maybe you just got a little carried away at the farmer’s market. Whatever the reason, having too many figs can be a delicious problem to have. In this article, we’ll explore the many creative and tasty ways to use up a surplus of figs.
Preserving Figs for Later
Before we dive into the various ways to enjoy your figs, let’s talk about preserving them for later. Figs are a delicate fruit and can spoil quickly, so it’s essential to preserve them to enjoy throughout the year.
Drying Figs
Drying figs is a simple and effective way to preserve them. You can dry figs using a food dehydrator or by placing them in a low-temperature oven (150°F – 200°F). Dried figs can be stored in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Freezing Figs
Freezing figs is another excellent way to preserve them. Simply wash, dry, and chop the figs, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet in the freezer until the figs are frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen figs are perfect for adding to smoothies, baked goods, or oatmeal.
Caning Figs
Canning figs is a great way to preserve them for longer periods. You can can figs using a water bath canner or a pressure canner. Canned figs are perfect for making jams, jellies, and preserves.
Cooking with Figs
Now that we’ve covered preserving figs, let’s talk about cooking with them. Figs are a versatile ingredient and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet treats to savory meals.
Fig Jam and Preserves
Making fig jam and preserves is a great way to enjoy your figs throughout the year. Simply cook down the figs with some sugar and pectin (optional), then can them using a water bath canner. Fig jam and preserves are perfect for topping toast, yogurt, or using as a filling for cakes and pastries.
Fig Salads
Figs are a great addition to salads, adding natural sweetness and texture. Try combining chopped figs with mixed greens, crumbled goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette for a delicious and refreshing salad.
Fig and Prosciutto Pizza
Figs and prosciutto are a match made in heaven. Try topping a pizza crust with fig jam, prosciutto, and arugula for a sweet and savory pizza.
Fig and Brie Grilled Cheese
Figs and brie are a great combination. Try making a grilled cheese sandwich with fig jam, brie cheese, and arugula for a sweet and savory twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Baking with Figs
Figs are a great addition to baked goods, adding natural sweetness and moisture.
Fig and Walnut Cake
Try making a fig and walnut cake by combining chopped figs and walnuts with flour, sugar, and spices. This cake is perfect for serving as a snack or dessert.
Fig and Ginger Muffins
Figs and ginger are a great combination. Try making fig and ginger muffins by combining chopped figs and crystallized ginger with flour, sugar, and spices. These muffins are perfect for serving as a breakfast or snack.
Fig and Chocolate Chip Cookies
Figs and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Try making fig and chocolate chip cookies by combining chopped figs and dark chocolate chips with flour, sugar, and spices. These cookies are perfect for serving as a dessert or snack.
Fig and Cheese Pairings
Figs and cheese are a classic combination. Here are a few of our favorite fig and cheese pairings:
| Cheese | Fig Variety | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Brie | Brown Turkey | The creamy texture of brie pairs perfectly with the sweet, jammy flavor of brown turkey figs. |
| Goat Cheese | Black Jack | The tangy flavor of goat cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet, slightly crunchy texture of black jack figs. |
| Blue Cheese | Sierra | The pungent flavor of blue cheese pairs perfectly with the sweet, slightly sweet flavor of sierra figs. |
Fig and Charcuterie Boards
Figs are a great addition to charcuterie boards, adding natural sweetness and texture. Here are a few of our favorite items to pair with figs on a charcuterie board:
- Prosciutto
- Salami
- Brie cheese
- Goat cheese
- Crackers
- Grapes
- Almonds
Conclusion
Having too many figs can be a delicious problem to have. With these creative and tasty ways to use up a surplus of figs, you’ll never be stuck wondering what to do with them again. From preserving figs for later to cooking and baking with them, the possibilities are endless. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy your figs!
What are some popular ways to use up a large quantity of fresh figs?
One of the most popular ways to use up a large quantity of fresh figs is to make jams, preserves, and marmalades. Figs are a natural fit for these types of spreads, as they are sweet and have a soft, jam-like texture when cooked down. You can also use fresh figs to make delicious baked goods, such as cakes, muffins, and scones. Simply chop the figs and add them to your favorite recipe for a burst of sweetness and flavor.
In addition to baked goods and spreads, fresh figs can also be used in a variety of savory dishes. Try adding sliced or chopped figs to salads, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizza or flatbread. You can also use fresh figs to make a delicious chutney or salsa to serve alongside grilled meats or cheeses.
Can I freeze fresh figs to use later?
Yes, you can freeze fresh figs to use later. In fact, freezing is a great way to preserve the flavor and texture of fresh figs. To freeze fresh figs, simply wash and dry them, then chop or slice them as desired. Place the chopped figs in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 6 months.
When you’re ready to use your frozen figs, simply thaw them in the refrigerator or at room temperature. You can use frozen figs in a variety of recipes, including baked goods, smoothies, and salads. Keep in mind that frozen figs will be softer and more fragile than fresh figs, so they may not be suitable for use in dishes where texture is important.
How can I dry fresh figs to make dried figs?
Drying fresh figs is a simple process that can be done at home with a few basic supplies. To dry fresh figs, start by washing and drying them thoroughly. Then, slice the figs thinly and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in a low oven (150-200°F) for 3-4 hours, or until the figs are dry and chewy.
Alternatively, you can use a food dehydrator to dry fresh figs. Simply slice the figs and place them in the dehydrator according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dried figs can be stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months and can be used in a variety of recipes, including trail mix, granola, and baked goods.
Can I make fig wine or other fig-based beverages?
Yes, you can make fig wine or other fig-based beverages at home. Fig wine is a popular drink in many parts of the world, particularly in the Mediterranean region. To make fig wine, you’ll need a large quantity of fresh figs, as well as some basic winemaking supplies, including a fermentation vessel and a hydrometer.
In addition to fig wine, you can also make other fig-based beverages, such as fig liqueur or fig syrup. These drinks can be made by infusing fresh figs in a neutral spirit, such as vodka or rum, or by cooking down fresh figs with sugar and water to create a sweet syrup. Fig-based beverages can be enjoyed on their own or used as a base for cocktails and other drinks.
How can I use fresh figs in savory dishes?
Fresh figs can add a sweet and savory flavor to a variety of dishes, from salads and pasta sauces to pizza and flatbread toppings. One popular way to use fresh figs in savory dishes is to pair them with prosciutto or other cured meats. Simply slice the figs and layer them with prosciutto and arugula on a pizza or flatbread for a delicious and easy appetizer.
Fresh figs can also be used to make a delicious and savory chutney or salsa. Simply cook down the figs with some onions, garlic, and spices, then serve the chutney alongside grilled meats or cheeses. You can also use fresh figs to add flavor to soups and stews, or as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal.
Can I use fresh figs to make ice cream or other frozen desserts?
Yes, you can use fresh figs to make delicious ice cream and other frozen desserts. Fresh figs have a natural sweetness and creamy texture that makes them a perfect fit for ice cream. Simply puree the figs in a blender or food processor, then mix them with cream and sugar to create a delicious ice cream base.
In addition to ice cream, you can also use fresh figs to make other frozen desserts, such as sorbet or gelato. Simply puree the figs and mix them with a little sugar and water, then freeze the mixture in an ice cream maker or a metal bowl. You can also use fresh figs to make a delicious fig granita, which is perfect for hot summer days.
How can I use fresh figs to make healthy snacks?
Fresh figs are a nutritious and delicious snack on their own, but you can also use them to make a variety of healthy snacks. One popular way to use fresh figs is to make energy balls or bites. Simply chop the figs and mix them with some oats, nuts, and seeds, then roll the mixture into balls and refrigerate until firm.
Fresh figs can also be used to make a delicious and healthy trail mix. Simply chop the figs and mix them with some nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, then serve the mixture as a snack or use it as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal. You can also use fresh figs to make a delicious fig and cheese plate, which is perfect for a quick and easy snack or lunch.