How to Enjoy the First Figs of the Season: Recipe Ideas and Tips for August 2024
Fresh August figs Sweet and savory recipes Conservation tips Low budget & gourmet
Why August Figs Are So Special
If you love summer fruits, you know there's nothing like biting into a fresh fig in August! Their sweet, slightly tangy flesh, delicate aroma, and melt-in-the-mouth texture herald the return of large tables, outdoor aperitifs, and simple pleasures. The first figs of the season, also called flower figs , are harvested from the end of July and reach their peak in August: they are juicy, full of sunshine, rich in flavor, and perfect for cooking or simply enjoying on their own.
Whether you find them at the market, in the garden, or at your local greengrocer, their short season makes you want to make the most of them. Plus, figs are perfect for both sweet and savory recipes, in salads 🥗, on toast, on the barbecue, or in quick desserts.
Recipe ideas and ways to enjoy fresh figs
The first figs are so delicious that they're perfect on their own, but you can also make them even more delicious in a flash. Here are some simple ideas to delight family and friends:
Figs stuffed with cream cheese
Cut the figs into a cross, fill them with goat cheese or ricotta, and sprinkle with a little pepper and thyme. Grill for a few minutes for a quick and delicious appetizer.
Sweet and savory summer salad
Mix chopped figs, arugula, tomatoes, parmesan shavings, and walnuts. A drizzle of olive oil, a few drops of balsamic vinegar, and you have a fresh salad that's perfect for a barbecue ( our barbecue ideas ).
Fig, honey & ham toast
On a nice slice of toast, place slices of fig, a drizzle of honey, raw ham and a few hazelnut pieces. Simple, melting and crispy!
Oven-roasted figs
Cut the figs in half, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, add a little rosemary, and bake for ten minutes. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt.
Fig-Raspberry Summer Smoothie
Blend figs with raspberries, a banana and a little plant-based milk in a suitable blender for a creamy smoothie, rich in fiber and vitamins.
Fig and duck breast skewers
Thread pieces of fig and smoked duck breast onto skewers, then grill for a few seconds on the barbecue 🔥 for a sweet and savory bite with a twist.
Find new inspiration every week on our recipe page to vary the pleasures with seasonal fruits.
Tips for storing and serving fresh figs
Buying your figs wisely and budget tips
Enjoying the first figs also means paying attention to their price! Fresh figs may seem expensive, but by choosing wisely, you can treat yourself to this delicate fruit without breaking the bank:
- Local markets : choose producers' stalls or unsold end-of-market items; you'll often find beautiful, ripe figs at low prices.
- Ugly figs : don't hesitate to choose slightly damaged fruit to make compotes or smoothies, it's economical and anti-waste!
- In large quantities : if you plan to buy a lot, consider cooking them on the barbecue or mixing them to preserve them, using a blender .
- Creative cooking : Roasted figs are a wonderful accompaniment to summer grills, just like those in our barbecue & grill selection.
For even more money-saving tips and inspiration, check out our comparison of the best Air Fryers of 2025 : practical for cooking figs without an oven, and exploring other summer fruits without breaking the bank!
Fresh Figs FAQ
How to choose a ripe and tasty fig?
Choose a fig that's supple, soft to the touch, with smooth skin, free of blemishes and deep cracks. Its aroma should be fruity, never fermented. Figs with a small drop of pearl sugar at the base are often perfect for eating.
Can you eat the skin of figs?
Absolutely! The skin of fresh figs is edible and provides fiber and flavor. Just be sure to rinse the fruit well before eating, especially if it comes from the garden.
How to keep figs fresher longer?
Outside of the refrigerator, figs last barely a day. To preserve them longer, refrigerate them or cut and freeze them into wedges. You can then use them in compote, smoothies, or baked goods as needed.
Are figs healthy?
Yes! Rich in fiber, minerals, and antioxidants, they are excellent for digestion and energy. They contain potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In moderation, they are a perfect part of a healthy diet.
Can you cook figs in the Air Fryer?
It's possible! Cut them in half, place them flesh-side up, drizzle with a little honey, and give them a quick, low-temperature fry. You'll find more ideas and tips in our Air Fryer guide .
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