Harvesting Figs is the best time of the year! This is the exciting time when all the hard work has paid off. It is the exciting time we all look forward to from early spring year after year… It is the exciting time when harvesting that special fig variety you know and you enjoy year after year… It is the exciting time when harvesting that new fig variety that you have been waiting for a long time.
Fig Harvesting Time is the time to celebrate, share, and enjoy one of the best fruits in the world!
Prepare for the harvest ahead of time
Once your figs start ripening, your unwanted visitors will also show up to eat your figs as well… and once they do, they will show up every day and night until your figs are gone!
Now is the time to protect your figs! At minimum you should install bird netting and set up wasp traps. This will help to keep out some of the pests and prevent damage to the fruit. You can review the https://canadianfigs.ca/pests/ page to prepare ahead of time and be ready before all these visitors show up.
When to harvest
The best time to harvest figs depends on the variety and your location. It may also differ from year to year depending on the weather in that particular season. In general, figs are ripe and ready to be picked in late summer, early and late fall.
To determine if a fig is ripe, look for a deep, rich color and soft flesh. The fruit should be plump and free of blemishes. The fig should have a soft, yielding texture when gently squeezed. You can tell that a fig is ripe when the skin has become tender and the fruit is starting to droop on the tree.
Ripe figs will be soft and will give slightly when you gently squeeze them. The skin will also be more prone to splitting when ripe.
Tip: Always try to harvest figs in the morning or evening when the fruit is cooler. This will help to prevent the figs from becoming too soft or bruised.
How to harvest
Figs can be picked by hand or with the help of a small, gentle tool such as a pruner or fruit picker. You may need to use a small ladder or step stool to make this easier or reach the fruits. Handle figs gently to avoid bruising the fruit.
To harvest the figs, gently twist them off the tree using a rolling motion. You can also use scissors or pruners instead of twisting or breaking the stems. Be careful not to pull on the stem, as they are fragile and this can cause it to break and damage the tree. If the fig does not easily come off the tree, it is not yet ripe and should be left to mature a little longer.
Place the figs in a basket or other container on single layers, being careful not to damage them. Do not stack on top of each other. Use multiple containers or baskets if required.
Harvest checkup time
When harvesting figs you should also pay attention and give your fig trees a checkup as well. Always look for abnormal signs or signs of diseases or pests. Figs can be prone to infestations of fruit flies and other insects, as well as diseases such as fig rust. If you notice any pests or signs of disease on your figs, it is best to remove and dispose of the affected fruit to prevent the problem from spreading. Also note the location of issues and take pictures of affected areas, leafs, fruit, etc. Identify and address the found issues.
After Harvesting
After harvesting, to extend the shelf life or your figs, they should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer until you are ready to use them. Fresh figs will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator, while frozen or dried figs will keep for several months.
Always place the figs in a shallow basket or container in a single layer. Do not stack figs in the same container on multiple layers and on top of each other as this will cause the figs to spoil sooner. Always store figs in single layers in multiple containers. Think of how the eggs are stored. You can use egg containers if you have some spares. In fact, start saving your egg containers ahead of time…
Do not wash the figs until you are ready to use them, as they are delicate and can easily become bruised. This will affect the shelf life.
If you are unable to harvest all of your figs at once, you can store them in the freezer for later use. Simply wash and dry the figs, then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the figs to a resealable bag or container and return to the freezer until you are ready to use them. You can also vacuum seal them but ensure you use the moisture and manual settings to ensure the figs are not squashed in the process.
Enjoy your fresh figs! You can eat them as they are, or use them in a variety of dishes, such as salads, baked goods, or preserves them by making fig jam. You can also dry them. Dried figs are a tasty and convenient snack that can be enjoyed year-round.
Storing and Transporting Figs
Pack figs in sturdy containers with enough padding to protect them from damage. You can use containers with dividers to keep the figs from shifting and bumping into each other during transport and storage.
Keep figs at the appropriate temperature. Figs are sensitive to extreme temperatures and can be damaged if they get too hot or too cold. To ensure that your figs stay fresh, you should keep them in a temperature-controlled environment to keep them cool. You can use ice or gel packs.
Handle figs gently. Figs are delicate and can be easily bruised or damaged if they are handled roughly. Be sure to handle the figs gently when packing and loading them, and try to minimize the amount of time they are exposed to rough handling or vibration during transport.
Keep figs away from strong odors. Figs are highly perishable and are sensitive to strong odors. To prevent them from absorbing any unwanted smells, be sure to store them and transport them in a clean, odor free environment and keep them away from any strong-smelling goods
Share them with your family and friends! Everyone will love you even more for this …