How to Know When Your Figs are Ripe and Ready to Eat

One of the trickiest parts of growing figs is figuring out when they are ripe and ready for picking. Unlike fruits that change color dramatically as they ripen, figs offer more subtle clues about their perfect stage of ripeness.

In this article we’ll explore the signs to look for when determining ripeness for common fig varieties. We’ll also provide tips on how to pick ripe figs so you can enjoy these sweet fruits straight from the tree at their delicious best.

How Do Figs Ripen?

Figs ripen in multiple waves, with some ripe figs present on the tree for an extended period. Early in the season, look for the breba fig crop, then the main fig crop later in summer.

On an individual fig, ripening begins when the fig reaches its mature size. At this point, ripening sugars and flavors develop quickly over just a few days on the tree. Ripe figs have a short but sweet window of peak flavor before they become overripe.

What Color Do Figs Turn When Ripe?

Fig color alone is not the best indicator of ripeness since fig varieties exhibit different ripe colors:

• Brown Turkey and Celeste figs turn from green to purple-brown when ripe.

• Black Mission, Brunswick, and Chicago Hardy turn deep purple to black.

• Kadota and Alma remain greenish-yellow, even when ripe.

• Adriatic figs develop light green stripes on the skin when ripe.

So while color shift can help gauge ripeness on some figs, look for these other signs too.

How to Tell When Figs Are Ripe

Follow this ripening checklist to identify perfectly ripe figs:

• Fruit is slightly soft – Ripe figs feel soft and pliable compared to firm, rubbery unripe figs. Gently squeeze to test for softness.

• Fruit droops down – Figs hang straight out when unripe then bend at the stem and droop down as they ripen.

• Skin may crack – Cracking around the stem end is common on ripe figs of many varieties.

• Fruit has enlarged – Mature green figs will swell in size just before and during ripening.

• Aroma is sweet – Ripe figs emit a distinctly sweet, honey-like fragrance.

• Oozing nectar – Some ripe fig varieties drip sugar nectar at the bottom.

• Attracts wasps – When very ripe, figs attract wasps which aid pollination.

• Drop to the ground – Overripe figs will detach and drop from the tree branch.

Use a combination of these clues to determine ripeness stage. Taste testing works too!

When to Harvest Ripe Figs

Pick figs for eating when they are soft ripe – this is just before they become overripe and drop. The fruit will detach easily from the branch when lifted. Harvest figs gently to avoid bruising them.

Leave some ripe figs on the tree a few days longer if you want to attract wasps for better pollination and fruit set next season. But pick these up promptly once they fall to keep wildlife from snacking on them.

Storing Fresh Ripe Figs

Ripe fresh figs are highly perishable and best consumed within 2-3 days. Store ripe figs:

• Unwashed in a single layer in a shallow container lined with paper towels.

• Covered lightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.

• In a paper bag also kept refrigerated.

Wash figs right before eating.

Drying Figs for Long Term Storage

Preserve abundant ripe figs from your tree through drying. Dry only clean, unblemished, ripe fruit.

Simple air drying methods:

• Place figs on racks or trays in a single layer in full sun 4-7 days until shriveled. Bring indoors at night.

• Use a food dehydrator at 115-125°F for 12-20 hours depending on thickness.

• Thread figs onto clean skewers or string and hang to dry.

Vacuum sealed dried figs will last up to 1 year stored in a cool dark place. Enjoy as nutritious snacks all year round!

Common Problems Affecting Ripening of Figs

If your figs fail to ripen properly or lack flavor, some adverse conditions may be preventing them reaching their ripe potential:

• Overcropping – Thin out excessive fruits so tree resources go to ripening rather than producing more figs.

• Insufficient water – Drought stressed trees won’t support fig ripening. Irrigate sufficiently.

• Excess nitrogen – Too much nitrogen fertilizer causes lush growth at the expense of fruit quality.

• Low temperatures – Sustained cold weather or early frosts inhibit flavor development. Cover or bring containers indoors.

• Heavy rains – Extreme rainfall can cause figs to absorb excess moisture and split open.

• Not enough sun – Figs need full sun – at least 8 hours daily.

Addressing these issues next season will improve fig ripening and quality.

How to Pick Ripe Figs So They’ll Last

Follow these expert tips for harvesting ripe figs from your tree:

• Pick ripe figs in early morning when cool and sugar nectar is less likely to stick to figs. Wipe any nectar away gently.

• Use scissors for a clean cut if pulling off by hand damages ripe figs.

• Avoid bruising ripe figs by holding them gently at the stem end. Don’t squeeze.

• Use shallow, vented containers like berry baskets to prevent crushing ripe figs.

• Move ripe picked figs into cool indoor storage as soon as possible. Leaving them out risks exposure to pests and decay.

• Check stored ripe figs daily and remove any that are molding – this spreads and ruins the rest.

• Wash figs right before eating to maximize storage life.

Enjoying Fresh Ripe Figs

Once you’ve picked ripe figs from your tree, you have so many delicious ways to eat them!

• Slice fresh figs onto oatmeal, yogurt, or toast.

• Layer in sandwiches or flatbreads with prosciutto, cheese, or arugula.

• Blend into smoothies for added sweetness and fiber.

• Poach, grill, or roast figs to concentrate flavors.

• Macerate chopped figs in red wine or balsamic vinegar for an easy compote topping.

• Stuff fresh figs with goat cheese and nuts for an appetizer.

• Bake figs into pies, galettes, and fruity desserts.

Homegrown ripe figs are a real summer treat so learn to spot their signs of ripeness. Then pick, store, and devour these garden gems at their flavorful best.