Dry Figs
A Few Tips on How to Dry Figs
Eating a tasty fig that had been picked from your own tree means that first you must learn to dry figs. The process is not a difficult one, and will provide much more flavor than prepackaged fig products in the supermarket.
Before you are able to dry figs from your tree, they will need to fully ripen. They are programmed to automatically drop from the tree when they reach the full state of maturity, so simply wait for them to fall. Once they have, retrieve them quickly. Wash the figs and dry them thoroughly before cutting each one in half. You will notice a vast number of seeds within the fig. It is interesting to note that the fig is not actually a fruit, but a vessel in which to develop seeds. Regardless, it is referred to as an edible fruit, with the seeds eaten along with the flesh of the fig.
There are several methods that are commonly used to dry figs. The first is probably most popular, using a food dehydrator. The fruit should be placed on the drying rack with the skin side down. Following the directions on the machine, allow the figs to dry for the allotted time. Generally, a large batch of figs will take 1 and ½ to 2 days.
The second method used to dry figs is in the oven. For sweetened dry figs, one part of sugar to three parts of water should be dissolved and brought to a boil. Add the figs and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, then remove them from the syrup. Drain, cool and place the cooled fruit on a drying sheet. An oven temperature of 115° to 120° is ideal; a low heat and slow drying process of between 10 to 15 hours is required to dry figs. If your oven does not have a setting as low as 120°, simply prop the oven door open by a few inches to allow additional heat to escape.
Lastly, many people will use a more natural means to dry figs by laying the fruit in the sun. If using this method, be sure to cover the fruit with cheesecloth to prevent insect invasion. A series of hot, sunny days will be needed to sun dry figs; generally, allowing two to three days for the process will be sufficient.
Regardless of which of the three methods to dry figs is chosen, after the fruit becomes leathery it will need to be pasteurized. This is done by either heating the figs in a 175° oven for about 15 minutes, or by placing the fruit in freezer bags and freezing up to a week. By completing this process, any insects which may have been in the fruit will be eliminated.
To dry figs on your own, simply follow these easy steps to soon be enjoying your own delicious, fresh fruit. It can be eaten on its own or included in recipes; either way, you will be amazed at the flavor fresh dry figs will provide.