How to Freeze Fresh Figs? Are you a figs lover? If so, then you are probably always looking for recipes to include them and ways to keep this delicious fruit around for as long as possible, especially during those days that aren’t available. A great way to do this is by freezing your figs, so yes, if you’ve ever wondered how to freeze fresh figs or if it’s even possible, we’ll be telling you all about it below.
Freezing figs is a convenient and easy way to preserve your favorite foods and keeping them in stock. Having your figs frozen allows for longer storage; in other words, you’ll be able to enjoy them plain, add them on top of salads, or mix them up with some of your favorite meals.
Now that you have an idea of everything you can do with your frozen figs, it’s time to tell you about the actual process. It may sound a bit complicated, but you have nothing to panic about. Even if you don’t spend much time in the kitchen, the process of how to freeze fresh figs is quite simple. That said, a few simple steps are required. Keep reading and learn how to freeze fresh figs, tips, and a lot more valuable info.
Table of Contents
How to Freeze Fresh Figs
Method 1: Quick-freeze Method
- Using cool water, wash your figs. Make sure not to choose the figs that are overripe because they do not freeze well.
- Get some paper towels, pat them dry, and lay them on a baking sheet with the paper lining.
- Cut figs into quarters before freezing them. This step will help you use them in smoothies and ice creams without putting too much stress on your blender.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the freezer until the figs have frozen.
- Place the figs in airtight freezer bags.
- It is a good idea to label the bags with the date you got the figs and then place them back in the freezer.
Store in your freezer for up to three months. Remove them from the freezer and thaw them in your refrigerator before use.
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Method 2: Canned figs or sugared freezer Method
- Sterilize canning jars and lids in boiling water before use.
- Using cool water, wash your unpeeled, uncut figs gently by hand. Make sure not to choose the figs that are overripe because they do not freeze well.
- Fill your canner to the designated fill line, replace the lid, and set it on the burner on medium heat to allow it time to boil while you are preparing your figs for canning.
- Fill your large cooking pots with water and set them on the stove to begin boiling the water.
- Mix 6 cups of water with 2 cups of white sugar in a large saucepan and set it over medium-low heat on the stove.
- Blanch clean figs by dropping them into the pot of boiling water on the stove. Allow them to boil in the water for two minutes and then drain them.
- Pour 6 cups of water into the pot of blanched figs and return them to the stovetop. Stir in 2 cups of sugar. Boil the figs in syrup for 5 minutes.
- Place the figs in canning jars and add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to each jar. The acidity will preserve your figs and prevent discoloration during storage.
- Pour in the syrup to submerge the figs, leaving 1/2 inch of space at the top of the jar.
- Lower the sealed jars into your canner and process them in boiling water for 45 minutes. Make sure at least 2 inches of water covers the tops of your jars, or they will not seal properly.
- Remove the jars from the water and allow them to cool.
- Could you place them in the freezer?
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Common Questions About How to Freeze Fresh Figs
Can figs be frozen for later use?
Absolutely yes, pack figs into containers, leaving headspace. Figs can also be frozen on a tray and then packed into containers as soon as they are frozen—seal containers and freeze.
What can I do with too many fresh figs?
There are tons of recipes in which you could use your fresh figs, including Fig cobbler, fig bruschetta, spiced fig jam, or poached figs in spiced wine.
You can also preserve figs before storing them to make them last for months by freezing them.
How long do fresh figs last?
Due to their sugar content, fresh figs do not last very long when they have ripened. Figs cannot be kept long over the counter; they could last for 2-5 days. When refrigerated, figs could be stored for up to 7 days.
How long do figs last in the freezer?
If frozen, fresh figs could be kept for 6-8 months.
Will figs change in texture if frozen?
Freezing figs would cause them to change the texture. When they are thawed, they turn soft or mushy. However, keeping them frozen is still the best choice for longer storage. Frozen figs will not taste the same as fresh ones, and their texture will also change.
How do you thaw frozen figs?
To defrost the figs, remove the container or bag from the freezer and place it in the fridge. It is best to put the container or freezer bag onto a plate or bowl to catch any water running off during thawing. Leave overnight to defrost.
If frozen in a sugar syrup, stir the mixture occasionally and drain off the syrup before using.
If you use the figs in a smoothie, you can add them directly from the freezer without thawing.
How to identify when figs have gone bad?
You can easily identify when fresh figs have gone bad when they produce a foul smell. You may notice a white powdery form appearing on the figs, but these could be its natural sugars. However, you must also be cautious of mold growing on them.
Additional Tips on How to Freeze Fresh Figs
- Figs must be picked ripe from trees because they do not ripen once they have been picked.
- Figs that are tender or overripe will not freeze well.
- If canning figs, you can sterilize your canning jars by lowering clean jars into a pot of boiling water for two to three minutes and removing them before filling them.
- Figs produce ethylene gas that causes others to deteriorate faster; for this reason, it is recommended not to place figs near other fruits and vegetables in your storage area.
- Figs must be picked ripe from trees because they do not ripen once they have been picked.
- Keep the figs in a separate container or put them at the back of your fridge or freezer.
- If desired, you should wash figs before freezing and peel of the skin; it is optional.
- When storing them, be sure to add some citrus acid to help keep them looking good.
