I’m fortunate sufficient to dwell in a location the place fig bushes are all over the place. They act as edible landscaping in entrance yards and supply candy treats within the late summer time and fall. Nevertheless, it’s not unusual to see overripe figs rotting on the vegetation or being eaten by birds.
Figs have a brief harvest interval, and it may be tough realizing when to choose them. Harvesting too early ends in bland fruit that lacks sweetness, and ready too lengthy means the fruit could spoil or be eaten by bugs or birds.
I’ll share acknowledge when your figs are ripe so you’ll be able to harvest them on the optimum time. I’ll additionally clarify harvest figs from the tree and retailer them correctly.
When Are Figs Able to Harvest?
The precise harvest interval is determined by the variability and your rising space, however the majority of the fruits are prepared to reap someday between midsummer and early fall. Realizing which fig selection you’re rising will help you identify when it is best to begin searching for ripe fruits.
Should you’re rising a spread that produces a breba crop on final yr’s wooden, it is best to look out for a smaller crop that ripens in early summer time, in addition to a primary crop a couple of months later.
Remember that not all figs on a single tree mature on the identical time. Most bushes produce fruits that ripen over the course of some weeks, so verify your tree a number of occasions every week throughout this extended harvest interval.
How one can Decide If Figs Are Ripe
Many tree fruits, together with peaches, apples, and pears, proceed to ripen after they’re picked, so harvesting them a bit early isn’t the tip of the world. That’s not the case with figs. These fruits cease ripening as soon as they’re off the tree, so you need to harvest figs after they’re absolutely ripe.
You possibly can search for quite a few traits that can assist you decide that your figs are ripe.
Pores and skin Coloration
Most figs begin inexperienced, then change coloration as they ripen. Every selection matures to a distinct coloration, so realizing the colour you’re searching for is essential.
‘Brown Turkey’ turns darkish bronze or brown when ripe, ‘Black Mission’ turns into deep purple, and ‘Yellow Lengthy Neck’ fruits flip gold yellow.
Tender Texture
Underripe figs are agency and received’t have a lot give when touched. As they ripen, they change into softer and really feel tender once you gently squeeze them. The fruits ought to nonetheless maintain their form when touched. Simply squished ones are overripe.
Drooping Neck
Figs have a teardrop form with a broad base and a slim neck. Because the fruits start to ripen, their necks begin to bend or droop as they soften. Not all ripe fruits have bent necks, however nearly all fruits with drooping necks are ripe.
Sturdy Aroma
Ripe figs have a notably candy perfume. If the figs scent like honey, they’re in all probability prepared to reap.
Understanding the Harvest Window
Figs have an especially quick harvest window, making it tough to choose them at peak ripeness. Checking your vegetation no less than each different day throughout harvest season is one of the simplest ways to identify after they’re ripe however not overripe.
As soon as ripe, figs stay in prime situation for just a few days. Should you miss them on the bushes, they’ll possible change into mushy, break up, and/or be misplaced to bugs and birds.
Choosing as quickly as they’re ripe is important. Even should you don’t plan on consuming them immediately, don’t go away them on the tree. Ripe fruits will maintain effectively off the tree for a couple of week within the fridge, they usually additionally lend themselves effectively to drying and preserving in jams.
How one can Harvest Figs
Ripe figs are delicate, so it is best to harvest them fastidiously. Tough dealing with bruises the fruit, reducing its taste and shelf life.
Harvesting early within the day when the fruits are cool is good, however you can even choose them within the night. Keep away from harvesting through the warmth of the day, if attainable.
Though these fruits are delicate, you’ll be able to harvest them together with your arms. Some individuals discover the stem’s sap irritating, so you could need to put on gloves when harvesting.
Gently seize a ripe fruit, then elevate it upward whereas giving it a mild twist. Ripe ones will simply detach from the tree, so resistance means the fruit isn’t absolutely ripe.
Rigorously place the fruits right into a shallow basket or container, being conscious to not overfill it.
Storing Figs After Harvest
These fruits are extremely perishable, particularly once you harvest them at peak ripeness. Correctly storing them after harvest is essential to creating them final.
Recent figs will final for a couple of days at room temperature, so eat them rapidly should you maintain them on the counter. Storing them within the fridge helps them final for a couple of week.
Keep away from washing earlier than storing them. If the fruits are ripe after choosing, dry them with a towel earlier than storing. It’s advantageous to scrub the fruit proper earlier than consuming.
Should you can’t eat all of your ripe fruits without delay, take into account preserving them. The fruits are glorious dried and in addition style nice in jam or preserves.
Incessantly Requested Questions
Figs typically break up after they change into overripe. Sudden modifications in soil moisture also can trigger the fruit to crack.
Sure. Breba figs seem on final yr’s wooden earlier within the yr. They’re fewer in quantity than the principle crop and sometimes much less candy.