Expiration & Storage Tips
When does fig expire?
Fresh figs are perishable and can last up to 7 to 10 days in the fridge. It's common to have slightly wrinkled figs, but anything beyond a week in the fridge and they may start to mold. Dried figs, on the other hand, are shelf-stable and can last up to a year if unopened and stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they should be stored in an airtight container and consumed within a month. Fig jam or preserves following homemade recipes can last up to a year if properly canned and stored in the pantry but should be used within 2 to 3 weeks once opened and refrigerated. If you have an excess of fresh figs, you can freeze them and they will stay good for about 6 months. For best quality, they should be thawed slowly in the fridge before consumption.
How do you tell if fig is bad?
Telling if a fig has gone bad is relatively simple. Fresh figs should be soft and yielding when gently pressed but if it's hard or dry, then it's most likely past its prime. If the fig is slimy, leaking liquid or has any spots of mold, it's definitely bad and should be disposed of. As for dried figs, any noticeable mold, a sour smell, or a hard texture are indicators that they should no longer be consumed. For homemade fig preserves, look for an off-smell, mold, or changes in color and consistency.
Tips for storing fig to extend shelf life
• Always store fresh figs in the refrigerator.
• Before refrigerating, place fresh figs in a plastic bag to prevent them from drying out. Avoid washing them until you're ready to use them as moisture encourages mold.
• For dried figs, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. After opening, your dried figs will retain their freshness longer if you keep them in the refrigerator.
• If you have a large amount of fresh figs and can't consume them all at once, consider freezing them. You can extend their usefulness by freezing halved or quartered figs on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags and squeezing out as much air as possible.
• Homemade fig preserves should be canned and stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, they need to be refrigerated and consumed within 2 to 3 weeks. Making preserves or jam is another excellent way of extending the life of your figs.