Updated: August 26, 2025 • Six-minute reading (quiz, grading).
Why recognizing a ripe fig is an art 🥗
Ah, the fig! This iconic late summer fruit, fragile, sweet, and incredibly delicious. But have you ever wondered how to tell if a fig is truly ripe? If you want to avoid figs that are too firm, tasteless, or, on the contrary, those that are already "off," you have to learn to read the signs. Knowing how to recognize a ripe fig is the guarantee of biting into its tender, juicy, and fragrant flesh, whether plain, in a salad, with cheese, or even on the barbecue!
Knowing how to choose your figs also means avoiding waste and taking full advantage of their nutritional richness: fiber, antioxidants, minerals... Figs are the star of markets and back-to-school baskets every year. Ready to become an expert? Here are all the secrets to never make a mistake again.
The sure signs of a ripe fig
Recognizing a ripe fig is a matter of taste. First, look at the color: depending on the variety (purple, black, green, white), the fig displays a deep, even, and shiny hue. The skin should be thin, often slightly cracked, without bruises or suspicious spots. One telltale sign: the fig sometimes begins to "weep" a droplet of sugar at the base. This is the sign of a ripe fruit, bursting with flavor!
Next, touch it gently. A ripe fig feels supple to the touch, but never soft or squashed. If it's hard, it's lacking sunlight or was picked too early. If it's a little sticky, that's a good sign! Finally, smell it: a ripe fig gives off a sweet, delicate aroma that invites indulgence.
A little pro tip: at the producer's, choose figs that hang downwards, almost ready to fall off. If picked too early, they won't really ripen. In the store, choose figs from France (discover our guide to French figs ), a guarantee of freshness and flavor. Want to bet on excellence? Solliès AOP figs , recognized by an AOP ( learn more ), are a true treasure of the south.
Tips for choosing and storing your figs
Once you've spotted your ripe figs, you need to know how to store them... because this fruit is fragile! Ideally, eat them within twenty-four hours: that's when they reach their full potential. If necessary, place them flat in the refrigerator's vegetable drawer, without stacking them, as their skins break easily. Let them return to room temperature before eating to enjoy all their aromas.
Got too many figs? Think about freezing them: cut them in half, spread them out on a baking sheet, then put them in an airtight bag. They'll be perfect for smoothies, jams, or even baking. To keep them for a few days, choose whole, unwashed figs, away from moisture. And if you want to bring out their flavors, try gently cooking them in the oven or on the barbecue ( discover our BBQ accessories ): the fig then becomes a real natural candy!
Gourmet ideas for enjoying figs
Ripe figs are an invitation to culinary creativity. Simply eat them plain, or pair them with fresh goat cheese, a slice of cured ham, or a few walnuts for a summery starter. In salads, they love arugula, basil, and a dash of balsamic vinegar.
When it comes to dessert, honey-roasted figs, baked in the oven, or even grilled, work wonders. Are you a fan of homemade recipes? Try an easy fig chutney to accompany cheese, foie gras, or grilled meats.
Looking for something fresh? Blend your figs with plain yogurt, a few ice cubes, or even a touch of lime in a smoothie blender . And for brunch or an aperitif, there's nothing like a fig and goat cheese bruschetta or a thin fig tart. Let your sweet tooth do the talking!
Eating well without breaking the bank: figs and budget
We often hear that figs are a "precious" fruit... and sometimes expensive. But there are tips for enjoying the best figs without blowing your budget. First, favor local supply chains: buy directly from the producer or at late summer markets, where French figs are ripe ( all our tips here ).
On Shopify, take advantage of bundled offers or packages of PDO figs at low prices during peak season. Slightly damaged figs are great for making jam, compote, or smoothies ( our blenders here ), so don't pass them up! Finally, keep an eye out for air fryer deals to try roasted figs without turning on the oven. Enjoy without breaking the bank!
Frequently Asked Questions About Figs
Can a fig picked green ripen in my house?
No, a fig must be picked when ripe: once harvested, it does not fully ripen and risks remaining bland. Always choose figs that are supple and fragrant.
How can I prevent my figs from spoiling too quickly?
Handle them gently, store them flat in a cool place, and eat them quickly. If you have a stockpile, consider making them into jam, compote, or freezing them so nothing goes to waste.
Can you eat the skin of all figs?
Yes, the skin is edible! For varieties with thin, untreated skin, enjoy. If it's thick-skinned or if you prefer, you can remove it, but it's not mandatory.
Are figs good for your health?
Absolutely! It's rich in fiber, potassium, calcium, and antioxidants. It's a perfect fruit for digestion and energy, and should be enjoyed without moderation during the season.
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