Figs are best eaten raw. But the problem with figs is that they spoil rather quickly. So, what if you buy a bunch of figs but can’t eat them all before they succumb to spoilage? Do you just take the loss–or is there another way?
Freezing seems like a good idea right about now. But can you freeze figs?
The answer is yes and no. Frozen figs are not enjoyable when eaten like fresh figs, but you can freeze figs for baked goods, smoothies, jams, and many other things!
Although freezing figs is a pretty straightforward process, there is a right way to do it. Keep on reading to learn more about freezing and thawing figs, as well as how to use them!
But first, let’s answer our main question:
Can Figs Be Frozen?
Yes, you can keep figs in the freezer for up to 6 to 8 months. However, just like other fruits and vegetables, figs endure significant changes during the freezing process.
Freezing produces large ice crystals in figs. These ice crystals break through the plant cell walls, which affects the rigidity–and ultimately, the texture–of figs.
As a result, frozen figs become soggy once they thaw. For this reason, we don’t recommend using frozen figs in the same dishes as fresh figs.
But for other dishes like pastries, homemade jams, and smoothies, frozen figs are great additions! They don’t spoil as easily as fresh figs, which means you can always have ready-to-use figs in the freezer when you feel like making a batch of treats.
All that said, you’re probably curious now about how to freeze figs the right way. Luckily, we’ve come up with a fool-proof method:
How To Freeze Figs?
Freezing figs is easy, but there are a couple of things you have to keep in mind. Here’s the easiest and best way to freeze fresh figs:
- Wash your figs to remove dirt, then dry them with a paper towel.
- Cut your figs up into quarters for easier thawing. We recommend removing the skin as well if you plan to use them for sauces or jams.
- Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet, making sure that they don’t touch.
- Put the baking sheet in the freezer for about 3 to 4 hours or until the pieces are frozen.
- Take the figs out of the freezer and transfer them into a freezer bag or airtight container. Label the bag with today’s date before putting the figs back into the freezer.
When done right, your figs should hold up well in the freezer for about 6 to 8 months. Although they will inevitably turn mushy once thawed, you can still use your figs for a lot of different dishes.
Can You Freeze Cooked Figs?
Apart from fresh figs, you can also freeze roasted figs. But do keep in mind that you may see a drastic change in texture and flavor.
For best results, freeze figs that are roasted in honey only. Adding other ingredients, such as mascarpone, Greek yogurt, and balsamic vinegar, can cause your figs to freeze poorly.
Speaking of thawing, here’s how you can do it properly:
How To Thaw Frozen Figs?
The best way to thaw frozen figs is to let them defrost overnight in the fridge. But if you want a quicker process, you can also thaw figs by running the bag under cold water in the sink.
If you are using your frozen figs for smoothies, you can put them directly into the blender. Let them soften a little bit before blending so as to not put too much stress on your blender.
Keep in mind that figs don’t last very long due to their high sugar content. That said, make sure to use your figs immediately as soon as they are thawed out.
How Do You Use Frozen Figs?
As we’ve mentioned before, frozen figs are not recommended for dishes that use fresh figs, such as salads. They are also not enjoyable to eat on their own–but you can try!
Instead, we recommend using frozen figs for smoothies, bread, cookies, cakes, and homemade jams. Frozen figs are mushy when they are thawed, but they should still taste great when added to cooked or blended goods.
How Do You Add A Sugar Pack to Your Figs?
Adding a “sugar pack” (sugar syrup) to your figs will produce a better flavor and texture. The process is simple: (*)
- Wash and cut your figs as normal.
- In a container, sprinkle sugar on top of the figs.
- Wait for the sugar to draw out moisture from the figs, then let the mixture sit for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Once your figs have produced a syrup, transfer them to an airtight container and freeze.
If you do this additional step, take note that you have to drain the syrup after thawing your figs. Otherwise, the sweetness of the syrup may overpower whatever dish you are making.
FAQs
The fresher your figs are, the better they will freeze. Choose figs that are in their prime (not overly ripe nor picked too early), and make sure they are soft (not mushy), round, and smooth.
If you are freezing fresh figs, be sure to check for pieces that are overripe (too mushy or smell too strong). Discard them if you find any; they can decrease the lifespan of your figs even if you freeze them.
It really depends on the quality of the figs when you freeze them. The best way to extend the life of figs is to freeze them quickly after picking. If you have figs that are starting to go bad, freezing them is a way to save them.
Frozen figs will last for about 8-12 months in the freezer.
You can make fig jam! Simply chop your figs, add sugar and lemon juice to taste, and cook over low heat until the jam reaches a desired consistency. You could also use figs in place of other fruit in recipes, or just eat them fresh. Enjoy!
You can eat frozen figs by simply thawing them out and then eating them as you would a fresh fig. You can also add them to smoothies or yogurt, or use them in recipes.
Final Thoughts
To answer the question “Can you freeze your figs?”, we counter with another question: “What are you going to use it for?”
For recipes that usually call for fresh figs, we do not recommend using frozen figs. Otherwise, yes, you can definitely freeze figs!
Just make sure to follow our freezing technique so that your figs last for months in the freezer. And if you’re feeling like doing a bonus step, add a sugar pack, too!
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