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What is your favorite fig recipe? I am not sure how it is that I have collected so many (and I mean a lot) of recipes using figs and have failed to neatly organize them in one place. Do you know what figs are? If you don't know what figs are, I am afraid you can't unlearn this information, and I am leaving the story for someone else to tell. My husband and I planted a fig tree (a small graft from my friend Joyce's tree) on the farm around 10 years ago. Our fig tree is now the very most beautiful and abundant tree on the farm.
Ripe Figs are an ancient fruit
Some historians suggesting that they were first cultivated as early as 5,000 BC. They were a delicacy in the ancient Mediterranean world, and have been mentioned in both the Bible and Homer's Odyssey. Figs are low in fat and high in dietary fiber, making them a great source of nutrition. They are also known for their distinctive sweet taste, which can vary depending on the variety or ripeness.
Figs grow well in warm climates such as those found in California or the Mediterranean region of Europe. The most common varieties include Brown Turkey, Kadota, Black Mission, Adriatic and Calimyrna figs. Brown Turkey figs are especially popular for eating raw due to their firm texture and sweet flavor.
When it comes to cooking with figs, there are countless recipes to choose from!
From savory dishes like Fig-Stuffed meat to sweet creations like Fig-Topped Brie En Croute, there is something for every occasion. Roasted Figs with Balsamic Honey Butter, drizzled with balsamic vinegar, are a delectable appetizer that can be served either hot or cold and will impress even the pickiest palate! For added sweetness and slight caramelization, consider using brown sugar in your oven-roasted figs. Figs also make a wonderful addition to salads or smoothies - just add some fresh or dried fruits along with your favorite nuts or seeds! Fig jam is an excellent topping for baked brie or flatbreads. Fresh thyme can enhance the flavor profile of fig recipes, making them even more delightful.
My friend Joyce and I have tried to do everything and anything with figs from drying them in a dehydrator to freezing them to making preserves and most recently she figured out her healthy take on “fig glutens-free” (read: Fig Newtons).
We happened to have an amazing year for figs this year. The right amount of sun, rain, and whatnot for the perfect storm of beautiful ripe figs for 2 straight weeks. It looks as though we will have another round of them in the coming month if the weather doesn’t dramatically change.
My favorite fig recipe
I have grown to love them frozen so I can enjoy them beyond their 2-week window. No special instructions here. Pick them, wash them, dry them, put them in a freezer bag, and try to remove all the air from the bag. Throw them in smoothies, or thaw them out for that 3: 00 in-the-afternoon pick-me-up–guilt-free.
Honey Fig Smoothie
This is a delicious way to use your frozen figs. A Honey Fig Smoothie is delicious any time of the year. This high-fiber smoothie is perfect as an on-the-go breakfast made with our Spring Honey
Easy Honey Pepper Fresh Figs
Erin Gleeson shared this Honey Pepper Fresh Figs recipe in celebration of fresh fig season and our fig harvest. When I arrived here yesterday I grabbed a handful and ate them right off the tree! What a treat. Gotta love our friends over at Forest Feast. Simple recipes are the best, especially when they are paired with our Spring Honey!
Fig Jam Compote
Most compotes are made with dried fruits, we revisited the traditional compote and added fresh figs and our fresh-harvested Spring Honey. This Fig Compote is a divine seasonal treat that we know you’ll love. You can also try making fig preserves by canning figs ahead of time and serving them the next day.
Fig Focaccia
Fig Focaccia makes a great hors d'oeuvres any time of the year. Picture serving this Fig Focaccia at the beginning of a warm gathering of friends accompanied by some wonderful mulled wine. You can use sliced dried figs for this dish, making it an easy winter staple!
Goat Cheese Fig Crostini
Goat Cheese Fig Crostini is an easy and delicious appetizer. You will find us serving this for 2 solid weeks each year on Chesterhaven Beach Farm. Crostini is an Italian word that translates to “little crusts” and is an appetizer consisting of small slices of grilled or toasted bread accompanied by a variety of toppings. The toppings may include cheeses, meats, fruits, and vegetables, or maybe simply prepared brushed with olive oil and our Spring Honey and topped with herbs or a sauce.
I have learned that many dishes can be improved with the addition of figs. They bring a sweetness and complexity to a dish that is unparalleled. Do you have a favorite fig recipe? Share it on our Instagram. I am always looking for new ways to make dishes with figs.
