Dried figs: benefits and harm to the body, calorie content, how to eat correctly, how to dry at home, how to store

Figs - the benefits of a miracle berry

Figs contain a lot of calcium, potassium and fiber.
It has been proven that two dried fruits a day can significantly increase antioxidant activity in the human body. Figs help dull the feeling of hunger - just one fig will help you last until lunch. Not only fig fruits are useful, but also the notorious fig leaves. Research shows that fig leaves help reduce the amount of insulin needed by diabetic patients and also help lower triglyceride levels. Tea made from fig leaves or fruits brewed in milk has long been used as a remedy for sore throats, coughs and other pulmonary diseases, including asthma. Fig leaves are also used in the treatment of stomach ulcers.

Fig fruits are known for their diuretic, diaphoretic and antipyretic properties. Dried figs are a mild natural laxative. Figs contain more iron than apples and are therefore good for treating iron deficiency anemia. Figs are also recommended for patients with cardiovascular diseases. Fig pulp is used as a wound-healing agent; the decoction is good for treating abscesses and boils.

In a word, the fig tree both nourishes and heals - a real gift of nature, a fig, the benefits of which are enormous.

How to choose ripe fruits

The fig harvest season starts from June and ends in October. 10 days after being removed from the tree, the wine berry quickly loses not only its presentation, but also its usefulness decreases. Fig trees picked unripe do not ripen as successfully as bananas or citrus, so it is better to avoid buying very hard specimens.

To choose ripe figs, focus on the features of their appearance:

• color – can be green, brown, dark purple;
• the peel is matte and intact, without dark spots;
• the smell is fresh, without signs of fermentation.

If you are allowed to touch the fruits at the market, they should be soft, but not limp in your hands. When making a purchase, pay attention to where the exotic product is located. Due to long exposure to the sun, the figs will ferment, and due to long-term storage, they will become covered with dents.

Note: At the same time, you should not feast on unripe fruit filled with milky juice; it will not bring any benefit.

Types of figs

Useful properties of figs

Fig is a subtropical tree-like shrub of the Ficus genus of the Mulberry family. The plant has other names: fig, fig tree, wineberry. From a gastronomic point of view, pear-shaped fruits or figs are of interest. This is a group of independently formed inflorescences with soft pulp and numerous small seeds inside. The color of ripe berries is green, reddish, purple and dark purple, depending on the variety.

Energy value of 100 g of edible part of figs:

Calorie content of 100 g of fresh figs is 74 kcal, dried - 257 kcal.

Vitamin and mineral composition per 100 g of edible part of figs:

Eating fig trees in any form has a number of beneficial effects:

• improves the functioning of the immune system;
• relieves fatigue and restores physical strength;
• normalizes cholesterol levels;
• increases hemoglobin levels in anemia;
• thins the blood during thrombosis and thrombophlebitis;
• prevents the formation of malignant cells;
• normalizes the acid-base balance;
• improves the digestive process;
• stimulates intestinal motility during constipation;
• cleanses the body of harmful substances and toxins;
• reduces blood pressure in hypertension;
• serves as a diuretic for inflammatory processes of the urinary system;
• has a diaphoretic and antipyretic effect.

Author's note Natalya Papanova Blog author

Unripe fruits should not be consumed; they contain toxic substances.

Unripe figs cannot be eaten, but ebony fruits can be eaten. Read how to plant persimmons at home and get healthy fruits for your body.

Eating figs is contraindicated if:

• severe form of diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• pancreatitis;
• poor blood clotting.

Figs are a dietary product, but you should not eat a lot of berries, especially in dried form. If you have problems with the gastrointestinal system, limit the amount of sweet fruits in your diet.

Dried figs are a high-calorie dietary product

Properties of dry figs

As you know, the fruits of the fig tree are beneficial because they have a large number of useful substances and vitamins, among them: beta-carotene, vitamin C, A, E, B vitamins (B, B1, B2, B6, B12), carbohydrates, sugar, starch, fatty acids, fiber. The dry fruit holds the record among all oriental fruits in terms of mineral composition: potassium, magnesium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus, iron. Minerals carry out metabolic processes. Beta-carotene, which figs are rich in, has a positive effect on the human body, providing an immunostimulating and wound-healing effect.

B vitamins take part in the functioning of the brain, bones, skin, circulatory system, and are necessary for the functioning of the human body every day.

Figs are widely used in cosmetology. The fruits are used to produce useful face masks that improve the structure and appearance of the skin.

Benefits of dried figs

Nourishing masks based on figs are prepared mainly for weakened and split ends of hair. Fruit-based ointments for skin and nails are very effective and have undoubted benefits. In cooking, this berry is used to prepare sweet desserts. The fruit contains a lot of sugar, so it is very high in calories, per 100 grams there are more than 200 calories. People with diabetes, pancreatic diseases, gastritis and weight loss should take the dried fruit with caution.

Drying at home and outdoors

The drying process can be carried out in several ways, which will require various kitchen appliances.

In an electric dryer

How to dry figs in a vegetable and fruit dryer:

1. Cut the fruits into slices or plates; their thickness should not exceed 2-3 mm.
2. Place the raw materials on the pallet in one layer.
3. Set the operating temperature of the device in the range of +55 +60 °C.
4. Turn on the dryer. Swap the pallets every 3-4 hours, so the raw materials will dry more evenly.
5. The total drying time can take from 1 to 2 days, depending on the area of ​​the trays, the number of figs and the power of the device.

In the oven

Whole or chopped figs, either fresh or boiled in sugar syrup, are suitable for this method.

Basic principles for using an oven to dry a fig tree:

1. Set the minimum operating temperature of the device. Optimal is +60 °C.
2. If the oven settings are not at this temperature, then you should set it to the lowest possible temperature (about 100°C) and turn the raw materials over every 1.5-2 hours.
3. If you plan to dry sliced ​​fruits, then the cut should be located at the top and not come into contact with the grate.
4. The use of baking trays is not permitted. Air circulation and constant blowing can only be achieved by placing the figs on a grill.
5. The oven door should be kept ajar at all times. Otherwise, the figs will bake in their own juices rather than dry out.
6. Cooking time can vary from 8 hours to 2 days. You can determine readiness by appearance and consistency.

In the microwave

Instructions for drying fig trees in the microwave:

1. Cut the fruits into thin 2-3 mm slices and place them in one layer on a wire rack.
2. Turn on the “Defrost” mode and set the timer for half an hour.
3. After the timer alerts, check the condition of the raw materials and, if necessary, extend the drying time for another 5-10 minutes.

Outdoors under the sun

This option is used in regions with hot climates with normal or low humidity. Excess moisture in the air prevents drying and provokes rotting and mold formation on raw materials.

How to dry figs outdoors:

1. Boil the fruits in sugar syrup. In this method, boiling is a must; this way the taste of the fruit is better preserved and the likelihood of spoilage of overripe specimens is reduced.
2. Prepare a large wire rack and place the boiled and dried figs on it. They should not touch each other.
3. Place in the sun and cover with gauze to prevent damage to the raw material by flies and other insects.
4. Turn the figs once a day. Bring the grill indoors at night or during bad weather.
5. The total drying time outdoors is 2 to 3 days.

Useful tips

1. Dried figs should not be stored together with other products. This means not only joint storage, but also the placement of figs on the same shelf with other, strong-smelling products. Figs very quickly absorb all foreign odors, especially spices.
2. Sometimes droplets of sweet moisture appear on the dried figs. “Drying” the product will help here: just put the dried fruits on a spacious sheet of paper and keep them in the open air at room temperature for several days. The wettest pieces are eaten first. You cannot dry figs in the oven: all the beneficial substances will be lost, and the flavors will deteriorate significantly.
3. If mold does appear, the product will have to be thrown away. Sometimes the fungus is simply cleaned off, forgetting that its spores completely penetrate the fruit and can often cause severe poisoning.
4. You should not store figs in newspaper, as printing ink quickly eats into the fruit. An unpleasant chemical smell and bitter taste will be ensured, and the shelf life will be reduced several times.
5. It is better not to sew storage bags from synthetic materials, as they “do not breathe” and quickly suffocate. The product will go rancid and be spoiled.
6. Sometimes, when replenishing supplies and purchasing more figs, housewives mix old and new portions of dried fruits. This should not be allowed, since when mixed, bacteria quickly multiply, rendering the product unusable.
7. If the figs have been frozen, the product cannot be frozen again after defrosting. Otherwise, the taste will deteriorate, and the beneficial substances will quickly disappear.
8. Some housewives place dried figs in candy boxes. This is a big mistake, because, firstly, the box stores the smell, and secondly, it is not sterile - all this will lead to rapid spoilage of dried fruits.
9. Sometimes dried fruits are bought in stalls right on the street. This should not be done, since in addition to the risk of being poisoned by low-quality products, there is a risk of purchasing an improperly stored product. Constantly being outdoors and then bringing them indoors leads to the fact that in the near future the fruits begin to quickly deteriorate and rot.

Storing dry figs is not difficult, but you need to know a few rules. If a number of conditions are met, the product will retain its beneficial properties and serve as a source of valuable vitamins for the whole year.

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How to eat dried figs

Excellent gastronomic features determine great respect for this type of dried fruit. Dried figs are most often eaten on their own, used as a dessert.

It must be washed before use, as it is often subject to contamination during transportation. This can be done in running water with a brush or by soaking in warm water and then draining it.

Since figs, as described above, have gaseous properties, they are not recommended to be consumed immediately after meals. Do this in between, leaving it for snacks - it will perfectly fill you with energy, satisfy your gastronomic needs and charge you with a good mood.

The product is also used in cooking for preparing complex desserts, side dishes, snacks and meat. It is especially tasty with honey and cheese. We offer recipes for some dishes with dried figs below.

How to choose good dried figs at the market/store

1. GOST for dried figs regarding their storage.

The current GOST 12003-76 states that dried fruits without factory processing must be packaged in containers with a net weight of up to 25 kg. Storage must be carried out in compliance with sanitary standards at a temperature of +5 to +20 °C and a relative humidity of no more than 70% in warehouses free from the presence of various pests.

High-quality dried figs should be dense, but at the same time elastic; have a characteristic odor and organoleptic properties. Its color should be uniform. It ranges from beige and golden to dark brown. It depends on the color of the raw material.

Such dried fruits cannot be considered high quality:

• with traces of moisture and condensation;
• a large number of mechanical damages;
• rotten and with signs of fermentation;
• with a taste of gasoline;
• covered with spots;
• contaminated with mold;
• worn out by insects;
• with traces of rodent activity.

2. Do I need to wash store-bought dried figs before eating?

Before eating, dried fruits must be washed by first soaking them in warm water for several minutes. This will remove dust, dirt particles, bacteria and possible traces of chemicals from their surface.

3. There is a white coating on figs - what does this mean?

The white coating on dried figs does not pose a danger to the consumer. This is just crystalline sugar that appears, the excess of which is due to the natural sweetness of the fruit or the drying method with pre-treatment with syrup.

>How to Dry Figs at Home in the Oven

What can you make from dried figs?

The fig tree has been used in cooking for several thousand years. Excellent gelling properties make this fruit an excellent base for making jam, marshmallows or homemade preserves. The fig tree is also great as an ingredient for making healthy smoothies and milkshakes.

Important! Due to the large amount of carbohydrates, dried figs are a natural preservative - adding them to various dishes increases their shelf life.

The dried fig tree has taken root well for preparing a variety of delicacies. Combined with other dried fruits, nuts and honey, figs form an important part of vitamin-rich desserts. It is used to make chocolates. Crushed fruits can be an integral part of sweet creams for cakes and pastries.

Figs go perfectly with poultry dishes. It is used as a stuffing when stuffing chicken or turkey. Many gourmets love the recipe for stewed lamb with figs. However, most often it is used in preparing sauces for main courses.

Health benefits and harms of dried figs

Figs are a storehouse of beneficial phytonutrients, antioxidants and vitamins. Dried fruits are a source of natural sugars and soluble fiber. They are rich in fiber, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese, calcium, chlorine, sodium, vitamin B6 and K, retinol (vitamin A), thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2). Consumption of figs is recommended for asthma, cough, bronchitis, sexual dysfunction, constipation, and gastrointestinal disorders.

Figs have a high glycemic index - 62, and fresh - 55. Therefore, eating dried fruits quickly increases blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients are not recommended to eat figs. But the high potassium content helps reduce blood sugar spikes.

Excellent source of iron and tryptophan

Hemoglobin is the most important protein in the human body. And to maintain it at a physiological level, iron is needed. Figs contain a large amount of this microelement, so their consumption stabilizes hemoglobin levels. This is especially important for children and adolescents, and during pregnancy in women. One dried fig provides approximately 2% of an adult’s daily requirement for this microelement.

Figs contain tryptophan, an amino acid that is involved in the synthesis of melatonin and vitamin B3. They are important for proper sleep and improving its quality.

Strengthening the immune system

1. Figs stimulate and strengthen the immune system because... contains large amounts of potassium and magnesium.
2. Weight control
3. The fiber in figs helps in weight loss, but... It is high in calories, you need to eat several pieces a day.
4. Lower blood pressure

One dried fig contains 2 mg of sodium and 129 mg of potassium. Therefore, it is ideal for protecting the body from hypertension and has a calming effect on the nervous system. Also, if there is a large amount of salt in the diet, potassium prevents increased loss of calcium in the urine.

Excellent source of calcium

Dried figs contain a lot of calcium - a building tool for the human skeletal system. Even milk is inferior to it in calcium content. Figs contain a large amount of phosphorus, which stimulates bone formation and is involved in their restoration in case of degradation or damage.

The benefits of dried figs for women

Figs normalize the estrogen content in a woman’s body, thereby reducing the risk of ovarian, breast, uterine cancer, and excess weight gain.

Cancer prevention

Figs are an excellent source of bioactive compounds such as fatty acids and phenols. These substances help reduce the risk of skin cancer. According to research, fig fruits are rich in proteolytic enzymes that inhibit the growth of cancer cells in the stomach.

The large amount of fiber in figs also has a positive effect not only on the general condition of the body, but also prevents the occurrence of breast, abdominal and rectal cancer. In addition to figs, you can also note the benefits of dried plums, dates, apples and pears.

Dried figs are rich in phytosterols, phenols, fatty acids and vitamin B6. These beneficial substances reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease. Vitamin B6 is responsible for the production of serotonin, the happiness hormone that improves mood and lowers cholesterol levels.

Fig fruits improve blood circulation and reduce cholesterol levels!

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Soluble fiber (pectin), which figs are rich in, stimulates intestinal motility. When moving through the gastrointestinal tract, these fibers work like a magnet and collect excess cholesterol, and then leave the body through the excretory system. This “cleaning” has a positive effect on the digestive system, reduces the likelihood of constipation and hemorrhoids, and normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. Figs contain a large amount of seeds rich in mucin, which helps remove toxins, mucus and cleanse the colon.

Recipe for constipation: soak figs in water for about 12 hours, then consume morning and evening.

Benefits of dried figs for skin

Due to their high levels of micronutrients, figs help prevent and reduce many skin problems and diseases such as acne, pimples and even cysts. And the presence of a powerful antioxidant - vitamin C - improves skin color, reduces the number and depth of wrinkles.

Recipe: Grind 5 fresh or dried figs in a blender to a smooth paste. Add 1 teaspoon oat flour (or finely ground oats), 1 teaspoon milk and half a teaspoon ginger powder. Mix well until smooth. This mask can be used twice a week to make your skin soft and smooth.

Figs are useful for reducing skin pigmentation, including freckles. And also as a moisturizing, nourishing and rejuvenating product for the skin.

Recipe for a nourishing face mask: cut 1-2 small figs in half, remove the pulp and grind into a puree. Add a teaspoon of honey or yogurt and stir. Apply the finished mask to your face and leave for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

Application and benefits of dried figs for hair

The condition of hair and scalp depends on nutrition. If there is a lack of minerals, vitamins and microelements in the diet, then this will certainly affect not only the appearance, but also the hair growth and the condition of the skin. There are many different cosmetic products, but often they do not give the desired results. Moreover, many of them are of artificial origin. In order to change the situation, first of all, you need to review your diet, and secondly, include dried figs in your diet as a source of beneficial minerals and nutrients that will help significantly improve the health of your hair. Magnesium, vitamin C, vitamin E in figs have a positive effect on blood circulation in the scalp and help accelerate hair growth.

Figs contain a substance called ficin, which has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, reduces blood clotting, promotes the resorption of blood clots, and makes it possible to treat thrombo-embolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Requirements for conditions of detention

When growing figs in an apartment, it is important to provide the plant with optimal conditions. Otherwise, it will begin to wither, get sick, dry out and eventually die.

Suitable growing conditions:

1. Temperature. Figs are a heat-loving plant. The optimal temperature for its cultivation from the beginning of spring to the end of autumn is +25…+27°C. The fig tree also grows at room temperature – +20…+22°C. In winter, when the fig tree sheds its leaves, the temperature is reduced to +10°C. During winter dormancy, the tree can withstand cold temperatures down to 0°C.
2. Humidity. Figs require high humidity. On average, indicators should reach 75-80%. Hot, dry air coming from heating appliances is dangerous for wood. The plant is not placed near heaters and radiators. If it is located indoors during the cold season, then air humidifiers are used.
3. Lighting. The optimal length of daylight for figs during the growing season is 12 hours. However, lovers of exotic plants argue that it is not necessary to use additional lighting sources. It is enough to choose the right place for growing. Indoor figs do not tolerate direct rays of the scorching sun, so it is recommended to shade them from 12 to 16 hours.

In summer, the plant needs enough natural light. It is placed near the south window, curtained with a translucent curtain, or on the eastern windowsill without additional protection from the sun.

In the warm season, it is useful to take the plant in a pot out into the garden or place it on the balcony. Choose a place partially protected from the sun.

In spring and autumn, the plant should be on a southern windowsill. It is not necessary to cover the window with tulle.

In winter, figs are taken to a cool room. This can be a glazed, frost-protected balcony or loggia, an unheated room or a window sill in the entrance (provided that the window is large and lets in a lot of light). It is advisable to place the plant near a southern windowsill.

Where to dry figs

In the southern regions this issue does not arise. The climate itself is favorable for drying outside under the hot rays of the sun. In the middle zone and further north you may not see such warmth. But, if the weather is clear and unusually warm, then you can try this method.

First, prepare the grate. I like any handy one. It is very important that the figs are blown with fresh air from below and from above. If you place them on a baking sheet, the fruit may simply ferment or begin to rot. Place the figs on the grill and place them in a sunny, well-ventilated place.

It is advisable to cover the entire structure with thin non-woven material or thick gauze. And from below too. Wasps, fruit flies and a whole bunch of other insects also love to taste the sweet pulp. Such tricks are needed from them.

The drying process lasts approximately 5 days, with breaks at night. By the way, in the evening the grille needs to be removed into the house. You never know, it will rain or the dew will settle. Excess moisture is a big hindrance to your business.

Some sources recommend boiling figs in boiling sugar syrup for 10 seconds and only then drying them. Supposedly for better color preservation. I think this activity is pointless, because all dried figs are the same light brown color.

Unless the procedure will help to prevent putrefactive processes or prevent fermentation. True, such candied fruit is stored for a very short time.

Advice. Try making half of the preparations with boiling sugar syrup, and the other half without. At the same time, compare the tastes.

What should those for whom the sun does not favor its hot rays even in summer do? There is an exit. Even two. Choose any one that suits you.

For the happy owners of a home dryer. Whole figs or figs cut into halves (quarters) are laid out on the racks. The temperature is set no higher than +65°C. Because the sugar in the pulp caramelizes at higher temperatures and can change the final flavor of the finished product.

By the way, the strange white coating on dried figs is the sugar that has come out.

Drying time is approximately 6-8 hours. It all depends on the load level and power of your device. Readiness is checked visually. The fruits decrease in size and acquire a light brown tint. When pressed, you feel that the skin has become dense and elastic.

There are recommendations to flatten the figs to a flat shape. This is not at all necessary. Because this is what they do in the case of large-scale procurement. Flattening allows you to save space; such figs are put on a string and hung for storage.

If you have to dry a small amount, then you can then store the figs as usual without additional manipulation.

Just don’t ask where to store a bucket of dried figs at home. Only a third of your bucket will remain (the fruits will greatly decrease in volume and weight), and you’ll definitely find somewhere to put it.

Advice. Cut the dried fruit. If there is no visible juice, then you have dried it correctly.

What if there is no sun and no electric dryer? What to do with the remaining figs? Dry it of course! Only in the oven. Whole or cut, it doesn't matter. The main thing is to be back on the grid. The tray or baking tray will allow the fruit to bake before the drying process begins. But we don't need it.

We set the lowest temperature setting. Ideally +60°C. But sometimes the minimum temperature is higher, oven models are different. In this case, you will have to turn the workpieces over more often to prevent them from burning. And in any case, be sure to leave the door ajar so that the evaporating moisture has the opportunity to freely come out. It is difficult to determine the exact drying time; it all depends on the degree of heating of the oven. On average it takes about 8 hours.

Readiness is determined as described above. We check with our hands for elasticity and rigidity, with our eyes for color and with a knife for juiciness.

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Advice. Allow the dried fruit to cool completely before storing. Otherwise, condensation will appear, and with it mold.

How to dry figs at home? Everything is very simple. It is important not to hesitate, otherwise the fruit will spoil. And this way you will be able to carry a wonderful delicacy from your own freezer for a long time.

How to choose the right raw materials

When choosing fresh figs that you plan to dry, you should pay attention to the following criteria:

• The size of the fruit should be about 4-5 cm in diameter. If they are smaller, then it may be a wild fig (it is less sweet); if larger, then the fruit is overripe, its pulp is not so juicy and soft.
• There should be a large number of seeds inside the berry, this indicates its quality and high taste characteristics.
• The color does not matter when choosing, since it directly depends on the variety. High-quality and tasty figs can be brown, blue, black and yellow-green.
• The skin should be matte and slightly dry. A shiny and smooth surface can only be found in fruits that have been treated with preservatives for better transportation.
• A subtle smell of iodine is allowed, since this element is contained in large quantities in the berry. The fruit may produce a mixed aroma of grass and sweetness. There should be no chemical or unnatural odor from the selected figs.

Time of collection or purchase

In one year, a fig tree can bloom 2-3 times.

Figs that are sold and edible grow on a fig tree only once a year - at the end of summer. At this time, the fruits from the female inflorescences of this tree ripen. These are juicy, sweet and healthy berries.

The owner of a fig tree should evaluate the condition of the fruit from time to time. An indicator of their ripeness in August-September is a slight softness and witheredness at the tail. To dry, it is better to keep the figs on the tree a little longer (1-2 weeks), so they will reach their natural condition. You can use a sharp knife or pruning shears to trim fig clusters.

It is necessary to wear gloves when collecting fruits, as their juice can cause burns on your hands.

Which raw materials are not suitable?

Before drying, you should carefully inspect the purchased or harvested crop and reject fruits that have the following defects:

• Sour aroma. It indicates that the fermentation process has begun, which will be followed by rotting and mold formation.
• Excessive softness of the fruit, especially the skin. Such a specimen will most likely turn out to be rotten.
• Excessive hardness. She talks about harvesting too early and the fruit being unripe. These figs will have virtually no sweetness.
• Presence of stains, violations of the integrity of the peel. These are traces of exposure to pests or diseases.

Why are dried figs harmful?

The benefits of the fig tree are neutralized if the product is consumed contrary to contraindications. Its main disadvantage is its laxative effect. On the road, visiting or at work, this effect can put a person in an uncomfortable position. Dried figs, the photo of which is shown above, have a number of contraindications. These include:

• diabetes;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• gout;
• acute pancreatitis;
• diarrhea.

Due to their high sugar content, fig tree fruits should be eaten in limited quantities. Overuse of fig trees irritates the intestinal mucosa, which can aggravate inflammatory processes in it. Metabolic processes also slow down and the risk of caries increases. When consumed correctly and in moderation, dried figs are not harmful to health. If the product is abused, the following reactions are possible:

• decreased physical activity;
• flatulence;
• symptoms of low blood pressure;
• intense weight gain;
• allergy.

Product intolerance is accompanied by the release of antibodies into the blood. In this case, allergy symptoms may appear immediately or gradually. The most common signs of intolerance include rash, watery eyes, abdominal pain and itching. In rare cases, allergies develop so rapidly that Quincke's edema occurs. It threatens to completely block the respiratory tract, which leads to death.

Where and how to store dried figs at home

Unlike fresh, tender figs, dried figs have a long shelf life and are less finicky. The optimal conditions for storing dry figs are low temperature and humidity, as well as the absence of direct sunlight (dark, cool and dry place).

If you need to store this sweet dried fruit for a short period of time, then you can place it in an airtight container (for example, a jar with a lid) and leave it in a cool pantry or locked cabinet, but do not forget to check the fruit at least once a week so that it is not in the jar. condensation formed and fresh air was given access so that the fig fruits did not suffocate.

The best option for storing dried figs at home is to use the refrigerator. The main thing is to package the pre-dried figs in portions in special containers (glass or metal jars, plastic food containers), which are closed, since this dried fruit absorbs foreign odors well. When storing dried figs in the refrigerator, you need to check them once every 1-2 weeks to ensure that condensation does not accumulate in the container and mold does not form on the fruit.

The shelf life of dried figs at home can be up to 6 months.

For long-term storage, dry figs can be placed in the freezer, in which they can be stored for up to 1 year, but it is important to understand that when frozen they will lose some of their beneficial properties

How to store dried figs at home?

Unlike well-dried figs, dried figs contain more moisture and are more susceptible to rotting, the appearance of harmful bacteria and insect larvae, so at home it is better to store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator or deep-freeze them in the freezer, after dividing them for small portions.

Many people are interested in the pressing question of how to store figs. This fruit can be refrigerated or frozen. It can also be dried or dried. To extend the shelf life of fruits, you can prepare various preparations from them - jam, compote, juice. Regardless of the chosen storage method, you should follow the basic recommendations of experts.

Storage rules

Dried figs, as a rule, can be stored for no more than six months at room temperature or on a refrigerator shelf. Figs can be stored for the longest possible time in the fruit compartment of the refrigerator. There it will retain all its useful properties in its original form and decent appearance. It is advisable to pack the fruits in a paper bag or in a plastic container: plastic film spoils the taste and reduces shelf life. In this case, you need to check the fruits for the absence of mold and try to eat those that are softer faster.

The best material for storage is canvas: you can sew special reusable bags from it. These bags are placed in plastic containers and hermetically sealed. The temperature should not be more than +15 degrees, and the humidity should not be more than 80 percent.

Before consuming dried figs, the fruits are washed well and soaked in warm water for half an hour. This will make them soft and fragrant, as it will restore their original properties. Figs cannot be boiled, as boiling loses almost all their beneficial properties.

Figs can be stored in the freezer for 12 months, however, when thawed, most of the beneficial properties will be lost.

How to eat figs correctly?

Fresh figs can be eaten with the skin on; only the hard part of the tail is removed. Before consumption, the fruits must be thoroughly washed. Afterwards you can cut them in half or quarters and eat the pulp with a spoon.

If desired, ripe fruits can be used as an ingredient in a salad, smoothie or dessert. They can be baked or fried. Fresh figs are an ideal base for preserves, jams and compotes. It is also worth trying to combine fresh figs with Camembert cheese - this is a delicious and elegant appetizer that will amaze even the most demanding guests. Figs are a great addition to fruit smoothies. Both fresh and dried figs can be eaten without any additives, that is, simply as a snack.

Dried figs can be an ingredient in porridge or the base for healthy bars or no-bake cakes. The soaked dried fruit can be mixed into mousse and used to make cocktails or desserts.

How to choose figs for storage

Depending on the variety, fresh figs are:

• green;
• brown;
• yellow;
• dark purple.

Pressing on the fruit will help you select figs. Ripe berries are always soft with a pronounced sweetish aroma.

It’s okay if there are scratches on it - the taste will not suffer from this. Hard and crushed figs that have a putrid or sour smell should not be taken.

How to determine the ripeness of figs by appearance, smell and touch

• Externally, the fruit should be smooth, with a clean skin and have a perfectly round shape.
• A sour smell is a sure sign of fermentation; such fruit should be discarded.
• Ripe figs are soft, but not too soft. The fruit should not melt in your hands.
• Ideally, nectar drops appear on the skin.

The fruits can have different colors, depending on the variety it can be from light green to almost black.

Signs of a bad fig

• rotten fruit is too soft and slippery; if you turn it over, you can see mold at the base. It also has a sour smell.
• overripe _ Over-ripening occurs quite quickly; if it is not removed from the branch within three days, the fruit will become sluggish.
• unripe fruit is hard to the touch.
• dents on the sides indicate that the product is not fresh.

Figs are a seasonal fruit and should be purchased from mid-June to mid-October.

Before use, the fruit is washed well, its skin is thin and edible, there is no need to peel it. Ripe figs are also convenient to eat with a spoon, after cutting them in half.

Storage methods at home

Figs can be preserved for a long time in different ways. This allows each person to choose the best option.

Dried

This is one of the most popular options. Dried figs retain most of the beneficial components. It can be kept in a cool place for 6 months.

In the sun

To dry figs in the sun, you should arm yourself with gauze and a wire rack. To do this, you should perform the following steps:

1. Wash and dry the fruits. If the fig is cut into 2 halves, it should be placed with the cut side up.
2. Place the grill so that it is blown from all sides by the wind.
3. Wrap the grill in gauze on both sides. This will help protect the figs from dust and insects.
4. Dry for 4-6 days.
5. Collect the fruits on a string and take them to the shade to dry thoroughly.

Electric dryer

This device helps you get noticeable results quickly. The dried slices will turn out juicy and acquire a golden hue. To achieve good results, you should do the following:

1. Divide the fruits into 2 equal parts and dry in the sun.
2. Remove the tray from the device and place the chopped berries on it in one row.
3. Small fruits are dried for 10 hours. For large fruits, it is recommended to increase the duration of the procedure.

In a refrigerator

The best option for storing fresh figs is to use the refrigerator. It is best to keep the fruits at a temperature of +1 degree. This will help keep them fresh for 2-3 weeks.

Quick freezing

If you want to increase the shelf life, you should freeze the fruits. This is recommended to be done at temperatures less than -15 degrees.

Dried

These figs have excellent taste and contain many useful elements. Sun-dried fruits contain more moisture compared to dried ones. That's why they need special conditions. If you want to preserve the fruits for a short period of time, it is recommended to place them in jars without cuttings. The containers should be closed with a lid and stored in a dark and cool place. This could be a storage room or a glazed balcony.

It is best to keep the berries in canvas bags that are tied tightly. This will allow air to flow into the fruit. This will increase the storage period to six months. Also, dried dried fruits can be tightly wrapped in paper and placed in this form on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. This will increase the shelf life to 8 months.

Marinated

To marinate the product, you should take 1 glass of figs and port wine. You will also need a quarter glass of balsamic vinegar, 1 small spoon of lemon and orange zest, 1 spoon of sugar, half a glass of chopped nuts. It is worth adding salt and pepper to the composition.

First, it is recommended to place the figs in a jar, then add wine and chopped zest. Place the container in the refrigerator.

After 24 hours, drain the liquid, add the remaining ingredients and put the composition on the stove. Bring to a boil, add figs and cook for 30 minutes over low heat. Cool the finished dish and transfer it to a jar. Keep in the refrigerator.

Compote

Fresh and dried figs are suitable for this dish. For a 3-liter jar you need to take 300 grams of fruit and 150 grams of sugar. Pour 2.5 liters of water into a saucepan, add all ingredients and cook for 10 minutes. Remove from the stove, pour into a jar and close with a lid.

Jam

To make healthy jam you need to take 700 grams of figs and 500 grams of sugar. The components should be mixed and left for 3 hours. When the juice is released, place the container on the stove and cook for 5 minutes. Then leave for 10 hours. Drain the syrup. Perform the procedure 2 times. Pour into jars and close. You can add a little vanilla or citric acid to taste. It is recommended to store the finished jam in a cool place - for example, in a cellar. It can also be kept in the refrigerator.

This drink is very useful for heart pathologies. You can drink it for anemia and thrombosis. It is recommended to prepare juice from ripe fruits. They should be washed, doused with boiling water and rubbed through a sieve. Mix with boiled water in a 2:1 ratio. Squeeze the resulting mixture through cheesecloth.

Electric dryer

This device shortens the drying process, while the product retains its juiciness and acquires a golden hue. How to dry figs in a dryer? This work is performed according to the following instructions:

1. Cut the fruits into 2 even parts and place on a towel, which will allow you to remove the liquid after blanching.
2. The halves should be placed on the trays of the device.
3. If the figs are not large, then the processing time is no more than 10 hours.
4. Large berries take a long time to dry.

Drying figs at home in a dryer is very convenient. The fruits are no less tasty and healthy.

Housewives need to know not only how to dry figs at home, but also how to store them. For this you need bags made of thick material or paper. This will preserve juiciness and taste, and also prevent mold.

If a white coating has formed on the dried fruit, this indicates the presence of crystallized glucose, which is why the product has a sweet taste. Fruits should not be left in a damp place to ensure they last for a long time.

Figs also have other names: fig or wineberry. The fruit is medicinal, so it is used in the treatment of various ailments. The leaves serve as raw materials for the remedy “Psoberan” for baldness and vitiligo. And the fruits are used in the manufacture of the drug “Kafiol” for the treatment of constipation. The fruits are used to get rid of coughs and nasopharyngeal diseases.

• anemia;
• fever;
• bronchial asthma;
• muscular rheumatism;
• constipation;
• gastritis;
• urolithiasis;
• colds of the female genital organs;
• skin diseases.

Figs have antipyretic, laxative, and diaphoretic effects. It is also known for its nourishing, softening, healing and antioxidant effects. The fruits contain pectin, which restores connective tissue. This property is indispensable for the treatment of injuries, fractures, and joint diseases.

Regular consumption of figs cleanses the blood, strengthens the vascular system, and improves the elasticity of veins and capillaries. The dried fruit contains ficin, which reduces blood clotting, protects against the formation of blood clots, and reduces atherosclerotic plaques in blood vessels. Dried figs restore strength in cases of exhaustion and vitamin deficiency. It improves brain function, improves tone and performance. The fruits treat persistent coughs and make breathing easier. There are special recipes that are used to prepare medicinal products to eliminate cold symptoms.

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Growing figs

Seeds, cuttings and root shoots are suitable for planting indoor figs. It will be very difficult to grow without feeding, so every 10 days you should alternately use organic and mineral fertilizers.

Growing from seeds

Algorithm for planting fig seeds:

1. Prepare the soil: mix leaf soil with sand, peat, ash and disinfect it with a manganese solution. Expanded clay is placed at the bottom.

The seeds are obtained from a ripe fruit, washed under running water using a fine sieve.

Then leave it to dry on a paper towel for 24 hours.

The plant requires moist soil. We moisten the soil using a sprayer.

The seeds are laid out on the surface and sprinkled with soil mixture. The container is taken to a warm room (+25°C), covered with plastic film, which is removed daily in order to remove the condensation that has formed.

For irrigation, you need to use warm, settled water, maintaining constant soil moisture. After the first shoots appear (14-21 days), if the shoots are dense, it is necessary to thin them out.

During the period of active growth (January-October), the plant needs an increased amount of moisture. If the figs feel a lack of it, deformation of the leaves and loss of inflorescences will occur. Excess water should always be removed from the tray. For five years, in order for the tree to bear fruit, it is necessary to replant it annually, increasing the volume of the pot by 1 liter.

Growing by cuttings

Planting with cuttings is done as follows:

1. The material is taken from an adult plant that bears fruit.

The cuttings must be at least 10 cm long with 3-4 buds. It is recommended to make several scratches in its lower part to improve root formation. River sand will serve as an excellent base for rooting cuttings, but you can also use water.

Planting is carried out to a depth of about 3 cm and covered with a glass cap. Young roots will appear in a month. And when the roots become larger, it is necessary to transplant into a ceramic pot with good drainage and fertile soil. As we grow, we increase the size of the container (up to 6-8 liters).

Fertilize every time you replant. Carefully monitor watering, spraying leaves, use rainwater.

In winter (rest period), it is necessary to reduce the air temperature to +13°C. Compost and rotted manure, which can be added when loosening the soil, will come in handy.

The ancient Greeks gave their own names to the best trees, which had the most delicious fruits.

With this method of cultivation, the fig tree will bear fruit in the second year.

Growing by root shoots

Often, fig roots produce shoots that can be separated and used for planting in a pot.

In this way, the plant takes root within 4-5 weeks. But it is considered the most difficult and is not recommended for beginners.

How to properly store fresh figs

Fresh figs are poorly stored and practically cannot be transported. To effectively preserve it, you need to know how to choose fruits.

The color of figs can range from yellow to dark blue. The fig should not be damaged and should be firm. The smell is fruity. If you notice a slight wine aroma, this means that the figs have begun to deteriorate. If the fruits are not ripe, it’s not a big deal. They can be stored until they are ripe for 2-3 days in a dry, cool, dark place, and then transferred to the refrigerator.

In order to keep the fruit fresh, it should be washed, dried and placed in a container in the refrigerator. The temperature should not exceed +10C. This way you can store it at home for up to two weeks.

You can also store fresh figs in the freezer. Only clean and dry fruits, cut into slices, are frozen. The first freezing stage lasts about an hour. Then the slices are placed in a container or bag and stored in the freezer.

You can freeze a whole fig. To do this, take unripe fruit, then wash and dry it. Before freezing, whole figs need to be dried a little. To do this, place it on a tray in one layer and leave it in the sun for 1-3 days. It is important not to dry out the fruits! After drying, the figs are placed in the freezer for several hours. Then they are sealed and stored in the freezer for no more than a year.

• Dried figs can also be frozen. This way it can be stored for a whole year.
• After defrosting, you can make compotes, jelly, jams from it, or add it to meat dishes.
• The main thing is not to refreeze figs; this absolute rule applies to all products.