How to Know When Figs are Ripe

Since moving to our new homestead this summer, I've learned a lot about figs. Turns out that while figs are easy to grow, it's a little tricky to know when they are ripe. That is, unless you know these easy tips:

* Look at the color. Figs come in a variety of colors. Some stay green, even when ripe. But most turn a darker shade when they are ready to harvest.

* Touch the fruit and pay attention to firmness. Figs that aren't ripe are hard. As figs ripen, they get softer. A truly ripe fig will be quite soft; you can create an indentation in it by gently pushing with one finger.



* Look for cracks along the skin. When a fig is soft and has cracks, it's time to harvest it.



* Look for pests. In my experience, when a fig is ready for harvest, you'll find ants on the fruit, and possibly fruit flies.

* Check the stem for sticky sap. If it's there, the fig isn't quite ripe.

* Finally, do a taste test. If the fig doesn't have much flavor, it's not ripe yet.

* Do note that figs don't ripen once they are off the tree, but you can store fresh figs in the fruit drawer of your refrigerator for several days.

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