How to Dry Figs at Home

It is hard to find someone who does not care about the taste of figs. The fig or wine berry is useful in fresh and dried form. Although the exotic fruit today can be purchased in any supermarket, many people prefer to dry the delicacy themselves at home. And such a decision is justified for several reasons: first, the proper drying will save the maximum set of nutrients, the second is quality control. Since the main task for any housewife is to provide the family diet with safe food, the choice of fruit for drying and the entire process will be carefully monitored.

Given the fact that at home you can prepare a valuable product without much stress with the use of useful kitchen appliances, this option of preparation is very popular today. And a detailed description of the methods of home drying figs will help according to all the rules to prepare a delicious and very healthy delicacy.

How to choose figs for drying

Figs, or figs, are one of the most ancient types of fruit. It is known that Alexander the Great took dried figs with him on his long campaigns. In this form, they did not take up much space, but during the short rest helped the warriors to quickly regain strength. Modern scientists have already established the exact composition of the biblical fruit. In order for this unique set of nutrients to remain intact, it is necessary to know the rules of choosing a natural product for cooking dried fruits at home.

In places where wine berries are cultivated, the main indicator of ripeness is when the fruit falls from the tree on its own. Since it is impossible to establish this fact in the store, when choosing fresh fruit, you should give preference to specimens with a set of the following characteristics:

1. Fruits 4-5 cm in diameter are optimal for drying. Smaller figs lack ripe sweetness, while larger ones are soft and dry.
2. The high flavor characteristics are evidenced by the large number of seeds.
3. Color does not matter, because this indicator only indicates the varietal identity. Therefore, quality figs can be brown, black or even yellow-green in color.
4. On the other hand, the skin is one of the most important indicators: it should be slightly dry and have a matte finish. The smooth, glossy surface of the fruit indicates that it has been treated with preservatives, so that it will not spoil during long transportation.
5. The aroma of the fruit is also worth appreciating. Usually there is a mixed aroma of herbs and sweetness in the smell of figs, but there may be subtle hints of iodine.
6. If there is a white coating on the surface of the fruit, there is no need to be frightened, because it is just too much glucose. But fruits with a sour or brackish taste and dry rough skin are not suitable for drying.

This is interesting! In the Caucasus we grow figs of the variety Royal. It is easy to recognize the fruit by its large size and pronounced iodine flavor.

How to prepare the fruits for drying

In order for the dried fruits to have the most beneficial effect on the body, it is not enough to choose the right starting material, but it is also necessary to prepare it properly for drying.

1. First of all, sort the fruits. Remove too hard copies, as well as berries with spots on the skin and violation of the integrity.
2. Then rinse the selected material under water, and dry each fruit well.
3. Store-bought fruit is better to soak for 1.5 hours in plain water to remove from their surface preservatives.
4. After these actions, decide what taste the dried fruit should have at the end: if you want to preserve the natural flavor qualities, you can immediately proceed to drying.
5. If you want to get a sweet product, in this case, prepare a sugar syrup at the rate of: 1 tbsp. sugar (sand) to 3 tbsp. water. Bring the syrup to a boil, and then boil the berries for 10 minutes. After that, flip the figs in a colander so that they dry well in the air.
6. After that, proceed to dry the dried fruit in the chosen way.

An important point: You need to remember that after drying, you will not be able to clean the figs or remove the spoiled places. Therefore, the pretreatment of natural raw materials should be approached with the utmost responsibility.

How to dry figs correctly

There are several ways of home drying figs. But all methods are based on preserving the maximum amount of useful vitamins and minerals. Household appliances are used to speed up the process. For example, drying in the oven is considered a classic option, which is most often used by housewives.

In the oven

Although the preparation of dried fruit from figs refers to the easiest ways to prepare vitamin products for the winter, there are some nuances that must be observed.

Both whole and sliced figs can be dried in the oven. Fresh figs or figs cooked in sugar syrup are also suitable for this method.

1. First, preheat the oven to 60°C - this is the optimal cooking mode. If the temperature scale does not have the right value, then the temperature is set to no more than 100°C.
2. During the drying process, turn the raw material every 1.5-2 hours so that it dries evenly.
3. When drying sliced fruit, the slice should be at the top.
4. Using trays for drying figs is not allowed, it is better for this purpose to take a grid on which to place an even layer of fruit. Under these conditions, the constant blowing of raw material by a stream of hot air will be ensured.
5. During the drying of fruits the door of the oven keep ajar, otherwise figs will not dry, but simply bake in their own juice.
6. Drying time can vary from 8 hours to 2 days, depending on the batch of fruit.

The readiness of the product is determined by appearance and consistency.

Useful tip: So that the fruits do not fall through the grid, you can lay it folded in several layers of gauze.

In an electric dryer

Preparation of dried figs in an electric dryer is not as time-consuming as drying in the oven. In addition, when using the device, fig berries take on a beautiful golden hue and retain their juiciness.

Sequence of execution:

1. First prepare the fruit: cut into slices or simply divide into two parts.
2. Then lay the pieces on a clean towel, so that the excess moisture escapes.
3. After performing these two actions, lay out the fruit raw material in a thin layer on the trays of the drying machine.
4. Drying small fragments will take 10 hours, and whole fruits will take longer to reach the desired condition.
5. The optimum drying time is between 55 and 60°C.
6. Every 2-3 hours change the trays so that all the raw material dries evenly.

Note: Black figs are best dried in an electric dryer.

In the microwave.

Cooking fig berries in the microwave oven is considered an express technology that allows you to reduce the drying time as much as possible. The whole operation will take about an hour if you follow the instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit of figs: it is best to cut them into plates with a thickness of 2-3 mm.
2. Spread the fruit raw material on the grate of the appliance.
3. Turn on the machine, setting the mode "Defrost". Set the timer for half an hour.
4. At the end of the specified time to check the condition of dried fruits and if necessary to prolong time of drying of raw material on 5-10 minutes more.

Information! For this method of drying, the most suitable is a microwave, equipped with a special grid and convection.

In the sun

Despite the fact that the natural drying in the sunlight is a very troublesome affair, with this method the dried fruits turn out very tasty and juicy. The sequence of cooking procedure includes several steps:

1. Prepared fruits spread evenly on a lattice, wrapped with a piece of gauze. This is done to prevent the penetration of dust and insects.
2. Then set the rack in such a way that the fig particles are blown around with air on all sides.
3. If the fruit is cut to speed up drying, these cuts should be on top of the rack.
4. On top of the billet also cover a layer of gauze to keep out flies and other insects.
5. Duration of drying the fig tree fruits in the open air depends on the weather and humidity. The fact is that excessive moisture contributes to the appearance of rot and mold on the fruit raw material. But as a rule, in hot weather figs reach the stage of readiness on the 4th-6th day of drying in the sun.
6. After that, string the fruit on a sturdy string and determine the bundle with the dried fruit in a shady place to finish drying.

Important point: In the process of natural drying overnight billets should be removed to the house.

How to properly store dried figs

It is equally important to follow all the rules that will ensure the preservation of the valuable product. You can use one of the following three storage options at home:

1. Prepared dried figs for storage is best defined in woven thick bags. In such a container, dried fruit will retain its flavor and juiciness. Also, with proper storage, mold will not appear. Store the finished product is recommended in a dry place. The shelf life limit is 1 year.
2. Some housewives place dried figs in the freezer. Such a variant is allowed, but in this case, part of the useful properties of the natural product will be lost. You can store dried fruit for up to 6 months on the refrigerator shelf in plastic or glassware.
3. For a short period of storage, you can put dried fruit in a glass jar with an airtight lid, and then put the container in a kitchen cabinet. To prevent the dried fruit from spoiling, it is necessary to open the container once a week, providing access to air.

Addendum: If a white film forms on the surface, you should not throw away the product, because such a film is nothing else than crystallized glucose.

What are the benefits of dried figs

Ripe figs, which resemble a pear in appearance, are mostly useful. The ripe berries have a lusciously sweet taste, and their composition contains the maximum amount of minerals and vitamins. The main groups of active substances are:

• omega-3 and 6 acids;
• fiber;
• Vitamins: nicotinic and ascorbic acid;
• Minerals: potassium, iron, sodium, magnesium;
• pectins;
• Complex enzymes, which appear only after drying the fruit;
• antioxidants.

But the most important value of the wine berry is the high content of tryptophan. This substance has a positive effect on the emotional state, stabilizes the nervous system, improves sleep and mood.

Interestingly, in regions where figs are cultivated, i.e. in South-Western Asia, figs are given to children almost from birth. However, pediatricians are critical about such an early age of introducing the vitamin supplement into the diet of kids, but after 3 years they recommend giving children a natural delicacy.

The caloric value of a hundred-gram serving of dried fruit is 248 units, which is not insignificant. But taking into account the fact that it is difficult to eat such an amount of sweetness in one sitting, it is possible to consume the product even for those who have problems with weight.

What are the effects of figs on the body
The rich composition of the fruit, and especially the high content of tryptophan, turn the exotic fruit into an extremely healthy product. Therefore, figs are included in a number of drugs produced by the pharmaceutical industry. For example, the leaves are used in the production of a remedy for baldness "Psoberan", and the fruits are included in the laxative drug "Kafiol". Therefore, with the regular consumption of several dried figs a day, the body will be provided with the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements. Not only are fig berries a source of nutrition, they are capable of producing the following therapeutic effects:

1. Cleanse the body of toxic products, including neutralizing the effects of free radicals that provoke the development of cancer.
2. Normalize the level of hemoglobin, so doctors recommend eating figs for patients with anemia.
3. Accelerate wound healing.
4. Promote the restoration of connective tissue, which benefits painful joints.
5. Strengthen intestinal peristalsis, normalize stools.
6. Have anti-inflammatory activity.
7. Strengthen the structure of blood vessels, cleaning them from cholesterol deposits.
8. Activate mental activity.
9. Normalize sleep.
10. Help deal with the effects of stress and depression.
11. Improve heart rhythm.

Scientists have proven that Oriental women develop breast cancer less often, because they always eat figs. Very useful is an exotic fruit in dried form for the stomach, because in the process of drying in it are formed enzymes that improve digestion and digestibility. The fruit is useful for the male and female reproductive system.

Contraindications
Of course, such an impressive arsenal of positive qualities is impressive, but we should not forget about the existing contraindications. Dried figs are not recommended to consume persons who have:

• gout;
• obesity;
• diabetes;
• Gastrointestinal diseases in the acute stage;
• tendency to diarrhea;
• pancreatitis;
• susceptibility to allergic manifestations.

But for those who have had a serious illness or surgery, dried figs will help to quickly restore strength and return to normal life. The medics recommend eating figs for people who have a reduced resistance to stress. The fruit is often used in home therapy by persons suffering from urolithiasis.

In short, fig berries are quite a versatile product that has, in addition to its high gastronomic qualities, the ability to have a therapeutic effect on certain organs and systems.

Warning: Since dried figs cause increased gas formation, persons prone to flatulence should better refrain from eating them.

What can be made from dried figs

Dried figs have found a wide use in cooking. And they perfectly demonstrated their gastronomic characteristics both solo and as an additive to all kinds of dishes. Here are some possible culinary uses for dried figs:

• meat dishes;
• salads;
• Fruit desserts;
• compotes;
• sauces;
• light snacks with cheese and honey;
• pie filling;
• confectionery.

Here are a few simple recipes that every housewife with minimal time will help diversify the family diet.

Spicy salad

A very tasty dish that can be prepared at least every day. The preparation process will take only a few minutes, but the subtle slightly spicy taste of such a salad will please the household. Main ingredients:

• Chinese cabbage - 0.5 kg;
• ham - 350 g;
• dried figs - 200 g;
• hard cheese - 200-300 g;
• mayonnaise - for dressing.

The whole cooking process comes down to preparing the ingredients:

1. Cut the cabbage into sticks, and the ham - cubes.
2. Grate cheese coarsely.
3. Now combine all components in a container, mix, dress with mayonnaise.

All. You can serve the dish and enjoy the unusual flavor combination of ingredients.

Truffles of Paradise Temptation

Perhaps the author of this dish proceeded from the fact that the taste of figs was enjoyed by the gods, which is why the fruit was called the biblical gifts. But the delicacy, which can be cooked very quickly according to the proposed recipe, is really worthy of such a loud name.

The following set of products will be required:

• chocolate - 1 bar;
• Dried figs - 250 grams;
• butter - 1 tbsp;
• cocoa powder - to taste;
• Chopped walnuts - a handful.

Algorithm of action:

1. First of all, soak the figs in boiling water. When the dried fruit cools, dry it with napkins.
2. Then put the chocolate in a water bath, but you can melt it in the microwave.
3. When the chocolate reaches the desired state, add the butter.
4. Now go back to the figs: make a criss-cross incision on the "bottom" of each fruit, and then fill the resulting space with a chocolate-nut filling.
5. Figs softened in boiling water are excellent for molding. Dip the stuffed fruit in the warm chocolate, and then place the finished truffles on a rack.
6. The chocolate will gradually harden. When it fully takes the desired consistency, each truffle is dipped in cocoa, garnished with a nut.
7. Place the dessert in the fridge for a few hours.

Such a dessert is suitable for decorating the festive table.

Shortbread cookies

This variant of home baking will be liked by both large and small members of the family. Given the fact that its preparation at most 20 minutes, the proposed recipe is worth making a note in your personal recipe book. The main ingredients for the cookies:

• yolks - 2 pcs;
• egg white - 1 pc;
• flour - 1 tbsp;
• figs - 5-6 dried fruits;
• Butter - 150 gr;
• powdered sugar - 1/2 cup;
• nuts.

It is not difficult to understand that figs and nuts in this recipe serve the function of the filling.

Cooking sequence:

1. Cream the butter with powdered sugar.
2. To the resulting mixture, add the flour and yolks.
3. Knead the dough.
4. Grind figs and nuts (you can pass them through a meat grinder), add protein to the mass and mix.
5. Form the dough into tortillas, put 1 tsp. of filling inside, glue the edges.
6. Bake the cookies in an oven at 200°C.

Pork with figs

Of course, such a meat dish with a refined taste will be more suitable for a festive meal. For its preparation it is necessary to prepare the following set of products:

• pork (neck) - 0,5 kg;
• onion - 1 head;
• dried figs - 0,2 kg;
• Provencal herbs - to taste;
• white dry wine - 100 ml;
• salt, pepper, vegetable oil - as needed.

Cooking process in stages:

1. First, fry the pork with the onion, cut into rings.
2. Add the wine. Cook for 2-3 minutes, and then add the sliced figs.
3. Lastly, add the Provence herb mixture.
4. Cover the pot with the lid.
5. Braise until the figs are softened.

Oatmeal

If you make small adjustments to the recipe, the traditional dish, which is usually served for breakfast, will get a richer taste. Such nourishing porridge is ideal for dietary diets and children's meals.

The food set includes the following ingredients:

• instant porridge - 1 packet;
• linseed - 1 tsp;
• oat bran - 4 tbsp;
• dried blueberries - 2 tablespoons;
• Figs and raisins - 1 tbsp;
• nuts - a little bit.

For this recipe, any variant of fruit-berry kissel, which is not difficult to prepare in advance, will do. But if you do not have such a base, you can buy a package of instant kissel. By the way, it will help to save time for cooking breakfast. So, the sequence of culinary actions:

1. Make kissel.
2. Pour into a bowl bran, add berries, flax seeds.
3. Pour the base with hot kissel, stir everything, cover the plate with a lid.
4. In three minutes, sprinkle the porridge with nuts and proceed to breakfast.

Confit with nuts

If the hostess will put on the table a dessert prepared according to this recipe, it will raise her culinary status. And the preparation of such deliciousness will not require much effort and time. The main ingredients:

• figs (any) - 0.5 kg;
• lemon juice - 4 tbsp;
• sugar - 200 gr;
• cinnamon - on the tip of a knife;
• port wine - 100 ml;
• nuts (any) - 70 gr;
• lemon peel - 1-2 tbsp.

Scheme of preparation:

1. Slice figs. You can cook whole fruit, which first in a canteen pour sugar.
2. Then pour the dried fruit with wine, add lemon juice. In this form, the preparation should insist for 2 hours.
3. Then place the pot on a low heat, bring to a boil and cook for another 10 minutes with constant stirring. The mass should become thick.
4. At the end add lemon zest, nuts, cinnamon. Stir everything, and then send the finished dessert to the refrigerator.

The treat really turns out with a very bright, unique taste. Therefore, very quickly disappears from the table.

The useful properties and high gastronomic qualities of the biblical fruit have been used by man since ancient times. But if in the past dried figs were equivalent to gold in value, today this vitamin-rich product is available to every family. All that remains is to pick up a few recipes to delight your family with a tasty treat.

Photo of dried figs