How to properly store fresh figs so that they do not spoil ahead of time?

Figs freshly fallen from the tree are incredibly tasty. But it is advisable to enjoy them right away: storing fresh figs at home is extremely difficult. In a matter of days, or even hours, he disappears. A small drop of juice or a small dent is enough to begin the fermentation process.

The shelf life of figs is several days?

If you are lucky enough to get your hands on fresh, ripe figs, the best thing to do is eat them right away. He disappears very quickly. The shelf life of fruits freshly picked from the tree is:

• minimum – 10 hours;
• maximum – 48 hours (2 days).

This is one of the most difficult to transport fruits. It wrinkles easily, bursts, and releases sweet droplets of juice. All this contributes to fermentation. One single piece of fruit can ruin the entire batch. Therefore, natural fresh and ripe figs on store shelves are a rarity.

How to properly store figs?

Only whole fruits are suitable for storage. They should not have:

• dents;
• scratches;
• other damage to the skin.

Often, sugared droplets of juice can be found on the surface of the fruit. Such a copy is unlikely to last long. In a sweet nutrient medium, microorganisms develop at lightning speed. But you can try spraying water on it with a spray bottle to clean it a little.

It is not recommended to wash figs that are planned to be stored. Not with your hands, much less with a brush.The peel is damaged by mechanical stress and the fruit quickly deteriorates.

On the table in a vase

True connoisseurs of fresh figs recommend storing them exclusively in a fruit vase. In such conditions, it deteriorates faster, but fully retains the sweetness of taste and richness of aroma. To delay damage, you need to follow several rules:

1. Store fruits in the shade. In direct sunlight they will disappear within 1-2 hours.
2. Avoid overheating. Choose a cool place away from the stove and window.
3. Cover the figs with a paper towel to prevent flies and other insects from landing on them.
4. Store it separately. Substances released by ripe bananas, apples, peaches and other fruits speed up the fermentation process.

Properly wash the fruit immediately before eating. They wash him with a stream of cool running water and begin the meal.

In a refrigerator

At low temperatures from +3 to +7 degrees, microorganisms slow down their vital activity. Therefore, any food in the refrigerator stays fresh longer. Figs are no exception. The fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for several days. For better preservation:

1. Wrap each fruit in a paper wrapper (napkin).
2. Place them in a row on a tray or wide plate.
3. Place the tray in the refrigerator in the freshness area.

It is better to allocate a separate shelf or drawer for figs.

We take figs with us on the road

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of figs. It is called a superfruit due to its unique amount of nutrients. It strengthens the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Figs are also very nutritious and can quickly satisfy hunger. If you decide to take fruit on the road:

1. Wrap each fruit in a paper towel.
2. Place in a plastic food container.
3. The fruits should be placed freely, but not roll around the tray.
4. Don't cover it with a lid!

It is advisable to transport the fruit in a cooler bag. If you don’t have one, you can freeze water in a bottle and place it near the container.

Figs, both dried and fresh, have laxative properties. It is not recommended to eat it before a long journey.

Cooking figs so they don't spoil

Padded sweet fruits can be cooked. They will last longer if cooked.

• Make fig jam. Roll into jars. The shelf life of the jam is 2 years.
• Boil the fruits for about 5 minutes in sugar syrup, add chopped lemon, and grind through a meat grinder. Bring the mixture to a boil and set aside for another 2 minutes. This jam can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 7 months.
• Roast the figs. To do this, place it in an oven preheated to 200 degrees for 5–7 minutes. It turns out very tasty if you make a cross-shaped cut on top and place a piece of feta cheese with 0.5 teaspoon of honey inside. Instead of cheese, you can take a nut (hazelnut, walnut). The shelf life of the dish in the refrigerator will be 2-3 days.

Freezing

Another way to extend the shelf life of figs is to freeze them. When frozen, fruits can be stored for up to 12 months. After defrosting they become less sweet. Many people use frozen figs in baked goods, to decorate desserts and cakes. Or you can just eat it. Defrost the fruits in the refrigerator.

How to freeze fruit correctly:

1. Wash carefully under running water.
2. Cut each fruit into 4 parts.
3. Leave to dry on a paper towel (30 minutes).
4. Place in a food container and place in the freezer in the freezer zone.

Fresh figs are a very tasty fruit, with an incredible honey taste and bright aroma. If you regularly eat it, many diseases will be avoided. It improves the condition of hair, nails, and skin. Gives vigor and helps resist colds.

Unfortunately, not everyone can enjoy natural fresh figs. It does not tolerate transportation well. Fruits that are sold far from where they are grown often have nothing to do with naturalness. They are picked unripe, soaked in chemicals, and soaked in glucose for sweetness. Such figs cannot be called healthy. We do not recommend buying it and storing it.