How to Dehydrate Figs:
Easy Steps for Sweet & Long-Lasting Snacks

Today, I'm going to cover how to dehydrate figs! You know, those sweet and succulent fruits that have graced tables for millennia, are primarily grown in Mediterranean climates.

In the United States, California leads fig production, with the Central Valley being the heart of commercial fig farming.

Other notable growing regions include Texas, Florida, and parts of the Southeast where the climate supports fig trees.

Fig Growing Season

The fig-picking season typically runs from June through September, with peak harvest occurring in late summer.

Some varieties produce two crops per year - the first crop, called "breba," arrives in early summer, while the main crop follows in late summer to early fall. Breba comes from the Spanish word "breva" which means "early fig"!


A person with dehydrator, fresh food

Figs Nutrition Info.

VITAMINS: A, C, and K. They are also rich in B-complex vitamins including B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), and B6 (Pyridoxine)

MINERALS: Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Zinc, and Phosphorous

Fiber-rich Figs

One notable aspect of figs is their high fiber content, and let's face it, most of do not eat enough fiber-rich foods. Figs contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. This makes them excellent for digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels.

Prepping Figs for Dehydrating

Now, let's focus on how to dehydrate figs, a process that preserves these nutritious fruits for year-round enjoyment.

Tools:

Start by selecting fresh, ripe figs. They should be slightly soft to the touch but not mushy. Avoid using overripe or under-ripe figs, as these won't produce the best results when dehydrating.

Overripe figs have a high sugar content and that can lead to fermentation which gives the figs a sour taste, like they've gone off - making 'em unpleasant to eat.

On the other hand, under-ripe figs conversely have a low sugar content which can lead to them tasting a bit bitter, or a bit bland-tasting.

Wash Figs and Pat Dry with Paper Towel

Thoroughly wash your figs under cool running water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any stems and inspect each fig for signs of mold or damage.

For best dehydrating results, cut the figs in half lengthwise. If they're particularly large, you might want to quarter them. Don't forget, uniform sizes ensure even dehydrator drying.

How to Dehydrate Figs

After prepping your figs, it's time to dehydrate them.

  1. When dehydrating figs, arrange the cut pieces on your dehydrator trays so they don't overlap, leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Place them cut-side up to help prevent juice from dripping.
  2. Set your dehydrator temperature between 135°F and 145°F (or per your dehydrator's instructions).

Higher temperatures might cook the figs rather than dry them, while lower temperatures could lead to spoilage, so keep your temperature range between 135°F and 145°F.

Use our Fahrenheit to Celsius converter here on our site!

  • The drying process typically takes between 12-24 hours, depending on the size of your fig pieces and their moisture content.
  • Check on them every now and then after the 12-hour mark.
  • Rotate your trays if needed.

You'll know your figs are properly dried when they're leathery but are still pliable. They shouldn't be sticky or tacky to the touch, but they shouldn't be brittle either.

Once dried, let the figs cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside your storage containers, which could lead to mold growth.

When storing for long-term, use oxygen absorbers which absorb residual moisture.

Tips for Storing Figs

For long-term storage, food vacuum-sealer bags with oxygen absorbers are ideal.

Alternatively, store your dried figs in airtight Mason jars with oxygen absorbers. Both methods can keep your figs safe to eat for up to a year when stored in a cool, dark place.

Now that you've mastered dehydrating figs, let's explore a delicious recipe that puts these dried treasures to good use:

Check out this Honey-Walnut Fig Energy Balls recipe here, or click the image below.

Honey-Walnut Fig Energy BallsCLICK for Honey-Walnut Fig Energy Balls Recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions About Dehydrating Figs

Now, let's address some frequently asked questions about dehydrating figs:

Do I need to peel figs before dehydrating them?

No, the skin is edible and nutritious. Simply wash them thoroughly before drying.

How can I tell if my dried figs have gone bad?

Look for signs of mold, off-putting odors, or unusual discoloration. Properly dried and stored figs should remain pliable and maintain their natural color.

Can I dry figs in the oven instead of a dehydrator?

Yes, though it's less efficient. Set your oven to its lowest setting (preferably 170°F or lower) and leave the door slightly open. Place figs on parchment-lined baking sheets and dry for 8-12 hours.

Should I soak dried figs before using them in recipes?

If your recipe calls for softer figs, you can soak them in warm water for 10-15 minutes before use.

What's the best way to prevent dried figs from sticking together during storage?

You can lightly dust them with cornstarch or keep them separated in layers using parchment paper.

By following these guidelines for dehydrating figs, you'll be able to enjoy these nutritious fruits year-round while controlling their sugar content and avoiding artificial preservatives.

The process might take some time, but the result is well worth the effort, providing you with healthy, homemade dried fruit that connects you to traditional food preservation methods.

Thanks for stopping by to learn how to dehydrate figs. These little gems are full of minerals that help ward off leg cramps.

Don't forget to get your free "Six Simple Steps" eBook where I share how to dehydrate food safely!

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