In simple terms, figs are technically not a fruit ― they are inverted flowers. Fig trees don’t flower like an apple or plum tree. Their flowers bloom inside the pear-shaped pod, which eventually matures into the fruit we eat. Each flower then produces a single, one-seeded, hard-shelled fruit.

Are there wasps inside figs?

Since figs are technically an inverted flower and not a fruit, pollination is needed for figs to survive and flourish. However, no need to fear 99% of California Grown Figs are self-pollinating.

When can I find California Fresh Figs?

California Fresh Figs are available mid-May through November. The season can vary slightly from year to year due to the weather. The availability is also different for each variety. For example, Black Mission are available mid-May through November while Tiger Figs are available mid-July through November. You can find the Ca Grown seasonality guide here!

How long will fresh figs last?

Fresh figs are perishable and should be kept refrigerated. The ideal temperature is 32 to 36 degrees F. Refrigerated at these temperatures, fresh figs typically last 5 to 7 days but can store for up to 2 weeks.

How do I know fresh figs are ripe?

Select plump, fragrant figs that have a little give when touched. The fruit should be soft and yielding to the touch, but not mushy. You can also smell the fruit. If it smells slightly sour, it has already begun to ferment. When figs get beyond their prime, they begin to collapse inward and lose their round shape.

Is the fig stem edible?

Fig stems are digestible; however, we recommend removing the stem on both dried and fresh figs because of the hard, chewy texture.

Individually quick-frozen fresh figs will keep up to 3-6 months in the freezer. Just wash thoroughly, sort any very soft ones to eat immediately, arrange whole ripe figs on a wax paper-lined baking sheet so that they are not touching each other and freeze. When frozen solid, transfer to resealable plastic bags. Thaw and eat as desired. Freezing will change the texture and they will be much softer when thawed. They are very good, but you might prefer to simmer them in a sweet or savory liquid to serve. Or they may be sweetened, cooked, and puréed before freezing to serve as toppings for ice cream, puddings, and other desserts.

Infused Vodka - An Easy Recipe with Fresh Figs for Elevated Cocktails

Fig Infused Vodka

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This recipe really isn't a recipe at all. It's an equation. Simply follow the directions below with any fruit you would like to infuse vodka with.

Author: This Mess is Ours
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Infusing time: 5 days
Total Time: 120 hours 5 minutes
Yield: varies
Category: Drinks/Sips
Method: Infused
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Desired amount of fresh figs, cleaned and dried. Then stemmed and cut in half.

80-proof vodka

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Instructions

Pack a glass jar with a tight sealing lid as tightly as possible with the prepared figs. Pressing down on the solids if needed to pack as many figs in the jar as possible.

Pour the vodka over the fruit completely covering. Place the lid securely on the jar and place it out of direct sunlight.

Shake the jar of fruit and vodka daily. You'll see the vodka gradually take on the color of the fruit. After 3 days taste the vodka and continue infusing to your liking. Most fruit vodkas are finished in 3 to 5 days, but you can continue infusing the vodka for longer. The vodka will become thicker and more syrupy as it infuses.

When the vodka has been infused, separate the fruit and the vodka by straining it into a measuring cup. Line the strainer with cheesecloth before straining if the fruit had a lot of seeds or sediment. Discard the fruit after straining.

Funnel into a glass bottle that seals tightly and store the vodka out of direct sunlight; it will keep indefinitely.

Notes

To make the fig vodka sweeter like a liqueur, similar to limoncello, mix the strained vodka to taste with simple syrup.

Simple syrup recipe:

Combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan and melt over low heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool before using. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Find it online: https://thismessisours.com/fresh-figs/