How to properly preserve fresh figs so they don’t spoil
The fig tree is a southern fruit that is harvested from the fig tree. When fresh, it is very delicate and fragile, and if storage rules are not followed, it quickly deteriorates. To preserve all the beneficial properties of the fruit and the vitamins they contain, figs are dried, canned, and frozen. How to store fresh, dried, dried, pickled figs, you will learn from the article.
Features and basic rules for storing figs
When storing fig tree fruits, observe the following recommendations:
- ripe berries are kept in the refrigerator, frozen, dried or canned;
- observe temperature and humidity indicators;
- unripe fruits are first brought to a state of ripeness and then used for food;
- overripe figs, but without a sour smell, are dried or dried.
Selection and preparation of fruits
When choosing quality fig tree fruits, pay attention to their appearance, smell and texture. The surface of the fig should be smooth, the peel clean, without stains or damage. Good fruits have a perfectly round shape. If you notice a sour smell, this indicates that the fruit has begun to ferment and is not edible.
Ripe figs are moderately soft; they do not spread in your hands even when pressed. Small drops of nectar form on the peel of a high-quality fruit.
The color depends on the variety and can be:
- green;
- yellow;
- brown;
- dark purple, almost black.
A spoiled product has a very soft and slippery consistency, and traces of mold are visible at the base of the fruit petiole.The sour smell is characteristic not only of fermented fruits, but also of overripe ones. And figs ripen very quickly - in 2-3 days. Dents appear on the sides, the skin withers and shrinks.
Figs are a seasonal fruit; they are bought from June to October. The peel is edible and does not need to be peeled. The fruits are washed, cut in half and the contents are eaten with a spoon.
The fruits are prepared for storage. First, they are carefully sorted, removing all specimens with traces of mechanical damage and an unpleasant smell of mash. A high-quality product is wiped with a soft cloth to remove excess moisture, especially in the area of the stalk. The figs are then placed in a container, box or bowl in a single layer.
How to store it correctly
To preserve figs at home for as long as possible, ensure optimal temperature, humidity and lighting conditions.
Temperature
When storing fresh fruits indoors, the temperature is maintained within +18…+20°C. In such conditions, the figs will remain for a day. They will be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature of +1...+2°C for 10 days. Dried figs are stored at +15°C for no longer than 6 months.
Humidity
In dry air, the fruits wither, and in high humidity they rot. The optimal indicator is maintained within 60-75%.
Lighting
A bright lamp or direct sunlight are the enemies of ripe figs, so it is recommended to store them in a dark place (refrigerator, cellar, basement). This applies to both fresh and dried fruits.
Where to store
Storage of figs depends on its type:
- Fresh fruits or juice are stored in the refrigerator.
- Berries are also frozen at temperatures from -15°C.
- The dried, dried or canned product is kept in the cellar, pantry or on the balcony.
- At room temperature, figs will last no more than a day without refrigeration.
Regardless of the storage location, it is necessary to protect the fruits from bright light and direct sunlight.
Can it be stored in the refrigerator?
The best place to store figs is the refrigerator. The fruits are kept at a temperature of +1°C. Shelf life – 2-3 weeks.
What to store in
Due to their softness, fresh figs are stored in containers and bowls, laying the fruits in one layer without close contact with each other.
The dried or dried product is placed in glass jars or canvas bags with tight ties.
Storage methods
There are several basic ways to store fig tree fruits.
Dried
These figs retain most of their useful properties. Dry the fruits in the sun or in an electric dryer.
For processing in the fresh air, carry out the following steps:
- The fruits are washed, dried and placed on a wire rack. Cut in half when drying, place the cut side up.
- The grille is installed so that it is blown by the wind from all sides.
- The figs are wrapped in two loose layers of gauze to protect them from insects and dust.
- Drying lasts 4-6 days.
- Then the fruits are collected on a string and placed in the shade for another day.
An electric dryer makes fig slices juicy and golden brown:
- The fruits are divided into 2 parts and dried in the sun for 8-10 hours.
- Then they are laid out on the device pallet in 1 row.
- Small fruits are dried for 10 hours, large ones require more time, check their readiness.
Dried figs are stored for no longer than six months at a temperature of +15°C.
Quick freezing
To treat yourself to figs at the end of the season, they are frozen. To do this, the fruits are washed, dried, placed in an airtight container or bag and placed in a freezer at a temperature of -15°C.
Important! It is not recommended to wash figs under running water, as this will damage the skin.It is advisable to place the fruits in a large colander or sieve, dip them into a basin several times, and then let the water drain.
Drying
This product contains more moisture than dried product, so it needs special storage conditions. For 3 months, dried figs are kept in a closed glass jar on a cool balcony or in a pantry.
If you put the dried product in canvas bags with drawstrings, the storage period will last up to 6 months. You can wrap the fruits in paper and place them on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. In this form they will remain for at least 8 months.
Pickling
To marinate the product you will need (for 1 cup of fruit):
- 1 tbsp. port wine;
- 1/4 tbsp. balsamic vinegar;
- 1 tsp. lemon zest;
- 1 tsp. orange zest;
- 1 tsp. Sahara;
- 1/2 tbsp. chopped walnuts.
- salt, pepper - to taste.
Preparation:
- Place the figs in a glass jar, pour in the port wine and add the zest.
- Close the container and put it in the refrigerator for a day.
- After 24 hours, the liquid is drained and the remaining ingredients are added.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Cool the figs, transfer them to a jar and put them in the refrigerator.
The pickled product is stored for 3 to 5 months.
Compote
For a 3-liter container, take 300 g of fresh or dried figs and 150 g of sugar. Pour 2.5 liters of water into a saucepan, add figs and sugar and cook for 10 minutes. Remove the pan from the stove, pour into a jar and close with a lid. Store in the refrigerator.
Jam
You will need 0.7 kg of fig fruits and 0.5 kg of sugar. The ingredients are mixed in a basin or pan and left for 3 hours. After the juice is released, place the container on the stove and cook for 5 minutes. The syrup is drained, after which the procedure is repeated again. The jam is poured into jars and closed.You can add citric acid or vanilla to taste.
The jam is stored in the cellar, pantry or refrigerator.
Juice
The juice is useful for diseases of the cardiovascular system, thrombosis, and anemia. Fresh fruits are washed, doused with boiling water and rubbed through a sieve. The puree is mixed with boiled water in a 2:1 ratio. The mixture is squeezed through cheesecloth, and the resulting juice is poured into a jar or bottle. This drink is stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Features of storing unripe fruits
Often, in order to extend the shelf life of fruits, they are picked unripe. It is necessary to ripen figs before eating them.
How to store them so they ripen
In order for the figs to ripen, they are placed in a dry, cool place without access to light and kept for 2-3 days, after which they are transferred to the refrigerator.
Shelf life
How long does the product last?
- Fresh figs are stored in a room at a temperature of +18...+20°C for no more than a day, in the refrigerator (at +1°C) - no more than 10-14 days.
- Dried fruits are stored for six months, dried ones - up to 8 months, depending on how they are kept. Dried figs last the longest in tied canvas bags.
- Canned foods are stored in the cellar for no more than 1 year. Frozen figs – 8-10 months in airtight packaging.
Helpful tips to help keep figs fresh longer
There are several secrets to extend the shelf life of fruit:
- Immediately after arriving home, sort through the purchased or harvested figs, discarding damaged or fermented fruits.
- Wash them not under a running tap, but in a container of water. This will keep the skin intact.
- Do not expose fig trees to light or direct sunlight.
- Do not lay them out in several layers.
How to keep figs fresh during transportation
For transportation, they prefer to take green fruits that have not yet become sweet and soft. They are laid out in a box in a single layer and covered with burlap to protect from dust, insects and light. Leave a distance of 0.5-1 cm between the fruits so that the sides do not wrinkle and the juice does not leak out.
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How much and how often to water figs in summer: instructions for beginners
Conclusion
Soft and sweet figs are a tasty and healthy treat. Fresh product is stored in the refrigerator, dried, dried or canned is placed in a cellar or cool pantry. You should not eat fig tree fruits with a pronounced fermentation aroma - such fruits are spoiled and harmful to health.