TOP 10 ways to store figs at home
Many people are interested in the real question of how figs can be stored. This fruit can be refrigerated or frozen. It is also allowed to dry out or wither. To extend the shelf life of fruit, you can make different preparations from it - jam, compote, juice. Regardless of the storage method chosen, the basic recommendations of experts should be followed.
Features of the preservation of fresh figs
Ripe fruits are very tender. Therefore, it is recommended to use them immediately after collection, and this should be done in places of ripening. After transportation, the fruit begins to ferment immediately.
If you want to store fresh figs, it is recommended to put them in the refrigerator. The temperature should be +1 degrees. In such conditions, it is allowed to store the fruits for 2-3 weeks. Berries must be prepared for storage. To do this, it is recommended to perform the following actions:
- washing and drying fruits;
- put in containers and close;
- place on vegetable rack.
It should be remembered that storing figs at room temperature is contraindicated.Within a day, the fruits will begin to ferment.
How to choose the right one
To choose high-quality fruits, you need to pay attention to their appearance, aroma and consistency. It is important that the figs are smooth, have a clean skin and a perfectly round shape. A sour aroma indicates the start of fermentation. It is better not to use such a fruit.
Ripe fruit should be moderately soft. It's important to make sure they don't melt in your hands. High quality figs have drops of nectar on the skin. The color of the fruit may be different. Depending on the variety, it can be light green or almost black.
A poor quality product has a too soft and slippery consistency. Mold may be present in the base area. Overripe and spoiled fruits have a sour smell.
Figs ripen very quickly. If the crop is not harvested in 3 days, the fruits will wither. Dents on the sides indicate that the product is expired.
This fruit is considered seasonal. It is allowed to buy it from June to October. Before using the product for food, it must be thoroughly rinsed. The fruits are covered with a thin, edible skin. It does not need to be cleaned. Ripe berries can be divided into 2 parts, and the contents are eaten with a spoon.
Optimal storage conditions
To increase the shelf life of figs, it is important to choose the right temperature, humidity and lighting parameters.
Temperature
Fresh fruits can be stored at a temperature of + 18-20 degrees for up to 24 hours. If you keep the berries at a temperature of +1 degree, the storage period is increased to 10 days.Dried figs can be stored at a temperature of +15 degrees for six months.
Humidity
When storing dried figs, it is important to take into account the humidity parameters. This figure should be 80%.
Lighting
The fruit is best stored in a dark place. It is recommended to store fresh figs in the refrigerator. A basement or other cool place is suitable for storing dried fruit.
Home Storage Methods
Figs can be stored in different ways for a long time. This allows everyone to choose the best option.
Dried
It is one of the most popular options. Dried figs retain most of the beneficial ingredients. It can be kept cool for 6 months.
In the sun
To dry figs in the sun, arm yourself with gauze and grate. To do this, you need to follow these steps:
- Wash and dry the fruit. If the fig is cut in 2 halves, it should be placed cut side up.
- Place the grid so that it is blown by the wind from all sides.
- Wrap the grid in cheesecloth on both sides. This will help protect the figs from dust and insects.
- Dry for 4-6 days.
- Gather the fruits on a string and put them in the shade to dry them well.
Electric dryer
This device helps you get visible results quickly. Dried slices will become juicy and acquire a golden hue. To get good results, it is worth doing the following:
- Divide the fruits into 2 equal parts and dry them in the sun.
- Remove the pallet from the device and place the chopped berries on it in a row.
- The small fruits are dried in 10 hours. It is recommended to increase the duration of the procedure for large fruits.
In the fridge
The best way to store fresh figs is to use a refrigerator. Fruits are best stored at a temperature of +1 degrees. This will help keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks.
Fast freezing
If you want to increase the shelf life, you should freeze the fruit. It is recommended to do this at temperatures below -15 degrees.
Jerky
This fig has an excellent taste and contains many useful elements. Dried fruits contain more moisture than dried fruits. Therefore, they need special conditions. If you want to store the fruits for a short time, it is recommended to place them in jars without cuttings. Containers should be closed with a lid and stored in a dark, cool place. It can be a storage room or a glazed balcony.
Berries are best stored in well-tied canvas bags. This will allow air to circulate to the fruit. This will increase the storage period to six months. Also, dried nuts can be tightly wrapped in foil and placed in this form on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will increase the storage time up to 8 months.
Marine
To pickle a product, you need to take 1 glass of figs and 1 glass of port. You will also need a quarter glass of balsamic vinegar, 1 small spoonful of lemon and orange peel, 1 spoonful of sugar, half a glass of crushed walnuts. It is worth adding salt and pepper to the composition.
First, it is recommended to put the figs in a jar, then add wine and chopped zest. Put the container in the refrigerator.
After 24 hours, drain the liquid, add the remaining components and put the composition on the stove. Bring to a boil, add the figs and cook over low heat for 30 minutes. Cool the finished dish, transfer to a jar.Keep refrigerated.
Compote
Both fresh and dried figs are good for this dish. For a jar with a capacity of 3 liters, it is necessary to take 300 grams of fruit and 150 grams of sugar. Pour 2.5 liters of water into a saucepan, add all the ingredients and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, pour into a jar and close the lid.
Jam
To make healthy jam, you need to take 700 grams of figs and 500 grams of sugar. Components should be mixed and left for 3 hours. When the juice comes out, put the container on the fire and cook for 5 minutes. Then leave for 10 hours. Drain the syrup. Repeat the procedure 2 times. Pour into jars and seal. You can add a little vanilla or citric acid to taste. Ready-made jams are recommended to be stored in a cool place - for example, in a cellar. It can also be stored in the refrigerator.
Juice
This drink is very useful for heart pathologies. It can be drunk for anemia and thrombosis. It is recommended to prepare juice from ripe fruits. They must be washed, rinsed with boiling water and passed through a sieve. Mix with boiled water in a ratio of 2: 1. Squeeze the resulting composition through cheesecloth.
How to store unripe fruit
Unripe fruits are recommended to be placed in a basement or pantry - in a dry, cool and dark place. They will take 2 to 3 days to mature. Then the figs can be transferred to the refrigerator.
Common Mistakes
It will only be possible to store figs for a long time with the right choice of fruit. The main errors that lead to the deterioration of the product are the following:
- wrong choice of storage location;
- the effects of the scorching sun on fruit;
- violation of the temperature regime;
- storage outside the basement or refrigerator;
- high humidity.
Additional tips and tricks
To store figs, you should follow these recommendations:
- store ripe berries in the refrigerator or freeze;
- observe temperature and humidity parameters;
- leave unripe fruits for a couple of days in a cool, dark place;
- overripe figs can be dried in the sun or in the oven.
Figs are a healthy and tasty product that many people love. In order to preserve the fruits for a long time, the highest quality should be selected. Compliance with temperature and humidity parameters is also important.