How to Tell When Figs Are Ripe: A Complete Guide

As a fig lover I greatly look forward to fig season every year. The sweet jammy flavor of a fresh ripe fig is simply delicious! However, picking figs at just the right time can be tricky. Underripe figs are often bland and rubbery, while overripe figs turn to mush quickly. Luckily, there are several easy ways to tell if your figs are perfectly ripe and ready for harvesting. In this complete guide, I’ll share foolproof methods for identifying ripe figs, harvesting tips to get the best fruit, and proper storage techniques. Read on to learn how to enjoy fresh figs at their flavorful best!

What Determines When Figs Ripen?

Figs have a relatively short harvesting window, usually ripening anywhere from July through September depending on variety and climate. The time of ripeness can vary quite a bit, so the most reliable indicators are signs on the fruit itself rather than just the date on the calendar. There are a few key factors that affect when figs will be ready to pick:

• Fig variety – Early varieties like Black Mission or Brown Turkey ripen first while late-season figs like Celeste or Marseilles ripen toward the end of summer. Some fig trees also produce a smaller breba crop on old wood early in the season.

• Location and weather – Figs ripen earlier in warmer southern climates compared to cooler northern regions. Lots of heat and sun will accelerate ripening.

• ** Growing conditions** – The amount of water, nutrients, and sunlight figs receive impacts development. Healthy, well-cared for trees often produce earlier crops.

• Indoor vs. outdoor – Potted figs grown indoors tend to ripen on a different schedule than those grown outside. Indoor figs are not reliant on increasing daylight hours to fruit.

What to Look For When Figs Are Ripe

Ripe figs will display several distinct signs that it’s time for harvesting. Here are the traits to look for:

Color Changes

As figs ripen, the skin will deepen in color and take on the hue associated with the variety. Green Kadota figs will turn yellowish-green. Dark Mission figs will turn purplish-black. LSU Gold figs will develop a golden color. The mature color can help indicate ripeness.

Softening Flesh

Mature figs will feel soft and squishy, similar to a ripe peach or tomato. They should yield slightly when squeezed gently. If the fig feels hard and resistant, it needs more time on the tree.

Bending Fruit

Another indicator is the fig’s appearance on the branch. Unripe figs stand upright, but as they ripen, the weight causes them to bend downward. Figs hanging at a 45-90 degree angle from the branch are likely ripe and ready for harvest.

Aromatic Scent

Give figs a sniff – ripe ones will have a sweet, honey-like fragrance. If you can smell the sugar before taking a bite, they’re definitely ready. Avoid figs that smell fermented or spoiled.

Split Skins

As figs ripen, you may notice cracks or splits in the skin, particularly near the top opening. Juice may drip from these fissures. This is a sure sign of ripeness, signaling it’s time to harvest immediately.

Dropping Figs

Fully ripe figs often detach and drop to the ground. Be sure to gather these up quickly and move them out of the sun before they attract insects or wildlife. Don’t let these sweet treats go to waste!

Tips for Picking Ripe Figs

Once you’ve identified ripe fruit on your fig tree, use these harvesting tips and tricks to collect your figs without damage:

• Wear gloves – The milky sap that seeps from fig stems can irritate skin for some. Gloves allow you to safely pick without reaction.

• Handle gently – Figs bruise very easily. Avoid squeezing too hard or letting fruits bump together in your harvest basket.

• Pick properly – Hold the fig gently in one hand and the branch in the other. Lift upward to detach. Never pull down on figs.

• Avoid rain – If possible, pick before a heavy rain. Too much moisture can cause the ripe fruit to split open.

• Watch for sap – If fig stems leak white sap when picked, they may be underripe. Wait a day or two before trying again.

• Harvest often – Check trees daily. Figs ripen sporadically over weeks, not all at once. Frequent small harvests get the best fruit.

• When in doubt, pick – If you’re unsure if a fig is ripe, it’s better to pick early than leave it too long on the tree.

Storing Your Fresh Fig Harvest

For maximum flavor and juiciness, figs are best enjoyed immediately after picking. But they can keep for 5-7 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. Follow these storage tips:

• Leave whole – Don’t wash, peel, or slice figs before storage or they’ll spoil faster. Keep them intact.

• Use breathable containers – Store in a paper bag or bowl covered with a paper towel – avoid airtight plastic bags or containers.

• Add a damp paper towel – The high humidity helps keep figs from shriveling. Replace the towel if it dries out.

• Keep cool – Refrigerate figs. Cold temps slow ripening and prevent spoilage.

For longer term storage, preserve figs by canning, freezing, or drying. But for the freshest flavor and texture, try to eat figs soon after harvest.

Enjoy Your Harvest!

Part of the fun of growing figs is looking forward to that first sweet, ripe fruit of the season. Use this guide to identify when your figs are perfectly ripe and ready to enjoy. Monitor trees closely as harvest time nears, feel for softening, watch for color changes, and pick frequently for a bountiful crop. With this knowledge in your toolbox, you’ll be a fig harvesting pro in no time!

No, figs generally do not ripen further after being picked from the tree. While they may soften and become sweeter if picked just before full ripeness, they won’t undergo the same ripening process as when they are still attached to the tree.