The benefits of fresh figs: how to choose and cook them in September
Every late summer, the stalls are overflowing with fresh figs: a fleshy, sweet, and sun-drenched fruit 🥗. But do you really know how to fully enjoy the benefits of fresh figs in September ? From choosing, preserving, cooking tips, and food pairings, discover here all the advice to savor this seasonal treasure... and avoid the classic pitfalls! 🔥
Whether you're a fan of quick recipes, a brunch lover, or simply curious to learn more about this fruit, you'll find the answers to all your questions here. Take advantage of the peak season to indulge and stock up on fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and pleasure—without breaking the bank.
Oven-roasted figs : 12–15 min at 190°C. Cut, garnish with 1 tsp honey/fig + walnuts, roast until syrupy.
- Preheat the oven to 190°C (fan-assisted).
- Rinse 8–10 figs , dry, make a cross-shaped incision without cutting the base.
- Place tightly in a dish. Add 1 tsp of honey/fig + ½ walnut (or almond).
- Roast for 12–15 min ; baste with the syrupy juices halfway through cooking.
- Serve hot: Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream or fresh goat cheese + lemon zest.
The nutritional benefits of fresh figs
Eating fresh figs in September is a natural way to replenish your energy. This fruit is rich in fiber (ideal for digestion), minerals like potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and natural antioxidants (polyphenols and carotenoids). Fresh figs hydrate thanks to their water content, satiate without weighing you down, and provide naturally absorbable sugars. They are also valuable for post-workout recovery or to boost immunity as fall approaches.
Are you hesitant about healthier cooking methods? Try air frying : it keeps the texture supple and concentrates the flavors, while limiting added fat or sugar.
Choosing, buying and storing your figs in September
To avoid disappointment, aim for freshness! The best September figs often come from the South (Solliès, Violette variety, Goutte d'Or, etc.). Choose fruit with smooth, taut, unblemished skin , supple to finger pressure, but neither too soft nor burst. The stalk should be green, the aroma intense, and the fruit heavy—a sign of ripeness.
If you want to buy smart, avoid figs stored near melons or bananas: they ripen too quickly. For market pros, keep an eye out for the Solliès PDO, which is often available on good stalls or in direct producer packages . And if you have any doubts: a fig that's too pale or dried out will lack flavor.
To store, keep them at room temperature if you eat them within the day, or for 2–3 days in a cool place in an airtight container. Be careful, figs do not like humidity: dry them gently if necessary.
Ideas for cooking and serving fresh figs
There are a thousand and one ways to enjoy figs in September! Sweet, roasted with honey, poached in a light syrup, blended into a smoothie, or simply sliced over a bowl of granola. Savory, they work wonderfully with goat cheese , cured ham, or even in a mixed salad.
- Express brunch: toasted bread, ricotta, sliced fresh figs, lemon zest, drizzle of olive oil.
- Chic aperitif: fig–mozzarella–basil skewers, or fig–foie gras for the holidays.
- Very simple dessert: roasted figs, vanilla ice cream and roasted pistachios.
For more seasonal inspiration, check out this week's recipes on Neary : you'll find fig-walnut pairings and anti-waste ideas for using up all your figs, even overripe ones!
Choosing your figs carefully (Solliès AOP)
From late August to September, choose Solliès AOP figs : smooth, taut skin, green stalk, ripe but firm fruit. Discard wrinkled or cracked fruit. A ripe fig should be fragrant and heavy for its size.
Quick variations
- Gourmet : honey + salted butter + cinnamon (same times).
- Savory : fresh goat cheese + honey + thyme, 10–12 min; finish with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
- No added sugar : replace the honey with mixed dates or applesauce.
- Air Fryer : 180°C, 8–10 min in a small dish (watch the syrup).
Service & Agreements
Serve with Greek yogurt , vanilla ice cream , or goat cheese . Topping: roasted pistachios, rosemary, lemon or orange zest. For brunch, place on sourdough toast with ricotta.
Conservation
Roasted figs can be stored for 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat for 5 minutes at 160°C. Avoid freezing, which softens the flesh.
Anti-failure tips
- Make an incision without cutting the base so that the fruit remains “in flower”.
- Place the figs tightly together : they support each other and the syrup coats better.
- Baste halfway through cooking: glossy glaze guaranteed.
Tips for cooking figs without fail
For perfect cooking, remember to choose ripe but not too soft fruit. Avoid stacking them in the dish so they caramelize well. Use the juice at the end of cooking to coat the figs or to make a quick sauce (with a hint of balsamic vinegar or fresh thyme).
You can also try cooking in an air fryer to save time: our air fryer comparison helps you choose the ideal appliance for melting and fragrant figs, ready in less than ten minutes.
Fresh Figs: Budget and Smart Buying Tips
No need to break the bank to enjoy figs! In September, take advantage of special offers on crates or direct online sales ( producer packages ). Fruits at the end of the market are often riper and less expensive: perfect for desserts or homemade jams.
Before buying in bulk, make sure you'll be able to eat or cook them quickly. Otherwise, consider freezing them in chunks (for smoothies or compotes), or cooking them to extend their shelf life. And for simple ideas: explore Neary's Recipes of the Week so you don't waste any of your harvest!
FAQ: Everything you need to know about fresh figs 🥗
From the end of August to September, the Solliès AOP fig: ripe but firm fruit, tight skin, green stalk.
Yes: goat cheese + honey + thyme, ten to twelve minutes. Add arugula and cured ham to serve.
Keep for three days in the refrigerator. Reheat for five minutes at 160 degrees; do not overcook.
Yes, it's quick and convenient: eight to ten minutes at 180 degrees. More details in our 2025 air fryer guide .
Blend them into quick jam, compote, or incorporate them into a moist cake. Discover other anti-waste tips in this week's recipes .
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