Figs are a delicious fruit that unfortunately isn’t available all year round; if you’ve had the chance to taste it and are a fan, then you’ve probably asked yourself, how to freeze fresh figs? So, if you are looking for a way to keep figs around for a while, then keeping them frozen is what you should do.
If you love figs, then most likely you’ll want to keep them in stock, especially during days when they are hard to find. Keeping your figs frozen allows for longer storage because who in their right mind wouldn’t like to have these delicious treats all year long. This tasty fruit can be enjoyed plain, add on top of salads, or mix up with some of your recipes.
It may be intimidating, especially if you don’t spend much time in the kitchen, but you need not worry; the process of how to freeze fresh figs is quite simple. However, it does require a few key steps. Keep reading and learn how to freeze fresh figs, important tips, and more.
FAQ’s
Do fresh figs last long?
Due to their sugar content, fresh figs do not last very long when they have ripened. Figs cannot be kept long over the counter; they could last for 2-5 days. When refrigerated, figs could be stored for up to 7 days.
Hos can the fig last longer?
You can preserve figs before storing them to make them last for months by freezing them. If frozen, fresh figs could be kept for 6-8 months.
Will frozen figs taste the same?
You can either freeze fresh figs immediately, or you could scan them first and preserve them in syrup as a more secure way of storing your figs. However, frozen figs will not taste the same as fresh ones, and their texture will also change.
How to know when figs have gone bad?
You can easily identify when fresh figs have gone bad when they produce a foul smell. You may notice a white powdery form appearing on the figs, but these could be its natural sugars. However, you must also be cautious of mold growing on them.
How to Freeze Fresh Figs
There are two ways in which you freeze your figs:
- Place them directly into the freezer
- Preserve figs in sugar syrup, also known as canned figs or sugared freezer method.
Method 1:
- Using cool water, wash your figs. Make sure not to choose the figs that are overripe because they do not freeze well.
- Get some paper towels, pat them dry, and lay them on a baking sheet with the paper lining.
- Cut figs into quarters before freezing them. This step will help you use them in smoothies and ice creams without putting too much stress on your blender.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer until the figs have frozen.
- Place the figs in airtight freezer bags.
- It is a good idea to label the bags with the date you got the figs and then place them back in the freezer.
- Store in your freezer for up to three months. Remove them from the freezer and thaw them in your refrigerator before use.
Method 2:
- Sterilize canning jars and lids in boiling water before use.
- Using cool water, wash your unpeeled, uncut figs gently by hand. Make sure not to choose the figs that are overripe because they do not freeze well.
- Fill your canner to the designated fill line, replace the lid, and set it on the burner on medium heat to allow it time to boil while you are preparing your figs for canning.
- Fill your large cooking pots with water and set them on the stove to begin boiling the water.
- Mix 6 cups of water with 2 cups of white sugar in a large saucepan and set it over medium-low heat on the stove.
- Blanch clean figs by dropping them into the pot of boiling water on the stove. Allow them to boil in the water for two minutes and then drain them.
- Pour 6 cups of water into the pot of blanched figs and return them to the stovetop. Stir in 2 cups of sugar. Boil the figs in syrup for 5 minutes.
- Place the figs in canning jars and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to each jar. The acidity will preserve your figs and prevent discoloration during storage.
- Pour in the syrup to submerge the figs, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Lower the sealed jars into your canner and process them in boiling water for 45 minutes. Make sure at least 2 inches of water covers the tops of your jars, or they will not seal properly.
- Remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool.
- Could you place them in the freezer?
Things to know about How to Freeze Fresh Figs
- Freezing figs would cause them to change the texture. When they are thawed, they turn soft or mushy. However, keeping them frozen is still the best choice for longer storage.
- When storing them, be sure to add some citrus acid to help keep them looking good.
- Cutting figs into quarters before freezing them enables a faster thawing time than leaving them whole.
- You should wash figs before freezing and peel of the skin if desired.
- Figs that are tender or overripe will not freeze well.
- If your final goal is a jam or sauce, you may want to peel your figs before freezing.
- Figs produce ethylene gas that causes others to deteriorate faster; for this reason, it is recommended not to place figs near other fruits and vegetables in your storage area.
- When freezing fresh figs, it is highly recommended to pick those that are soft but not mushy.
- Figs must be picked ripe from trees because they do not ripen once they have been picked.
- Keep the figs in a separate container or put them at the back of your fridge or freezer.
- If canning figs, you can sterilize your canning jars by lowering clean jars into a pot of boiling water for two to three minutes and removing them before filling them. If your dishwasher has a sterilized cycle, you can use the dishwasher.
Fig Facts
- Though figs are widely regarded as a fruit, figs are actually flowers turned inward: The small, soft seeds inside are the real fruit.
- Figs grow in warm climates and prefer hot, dry summers.
- Figs can also be used as potted plants or small ornamental trees.
- Whit the right conditions, they can quickly grow to 30 feet tall.