How and When to Harvest Figs at Peak Ripeness
Figs are one of nature’s best treats, but their harvest window is short! Join farmer Briana Yablonski to learn when and how to pick these fruits so that you can enjoy them at their peak flavor.
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I’m lucky enough to live in a location where fig trees are everywhere. They act as edible landscaping in front yards and provide sweet treats in the late summer and fall. However, it’s not uncommon to see overripe figs rotting on the plants or being eaten by birds.
Figs have a short harvest period, and it can be tricky knowing when to pick them. Harvesting too early results in bland fruit that lacks sweetness, and waiting too long means the fruit may spoil or be eaten by insects or birds.
I’ll share how to recognize when your figs are ripe so you can harvest them at the optimal time. I’ll also explain how to harvest figs from the tree and store them properly.
When Are Figs Ready to Harvest?
The exact harvest period depends on the variety and your growing area, but the majority of the fruits are ready to harvest sometime between midsummer and early fall. Knowing which fig variety you’re growing can help you determine when you should start looking for ripe fruits.
If you’re growing a variety that produces a breba crop on last year’s wood, you should look out for a smaller crop that ripens in early summer, as well as a main crop a few months later.
Be aware that not all figs on a single tree mature at the same time. Most trees produce fruits that ripen over the course of a few weeks, so check your tree multiple times a week during this prolonged harvest period.
How to Determine If Figs Are Ripe
Many tree fruits, including peaches, apples, and pears, continue to ripen after they’re picked, so harvesting them a bit early isn’t the end of the world. That’s not the case with figs. These fruits stop ripening once they’re off the tree, so you must harvest figs when they’re fully ripe.
You can look for numerous characteristics to help you determine that your figs are ripe.
Skin Color
Most figs start green, then change color as they ripen. Each variety matures to a different color, so knowing the color you’re looking for is key.
‘Brown Turkey’ turns dark bronze or brown when ripe, ‘Black Mission’ becomes deep purple, and ‘Yellow Long Neck’ fruits turn gold yellow.
Soft Texture
Underripe figs are firm and won’t have much give when touched. As they ripen, they become softer and feel tender when you gently squeeze them. The fruits should still hold their shape when touched. Easily squished ones are overripe.
Drooping Neck
Figs have a teardrop shape with a broad base and a narrow neck. As the fruits begin to ripen, their necks start to bend or droop as they soften. Not all ripe fruits have bent necks, but almost all fruits with drooping necks are ripe.
Strong Aroma
Ripe figs have a notably sweet fragrance. If the figs smell like honey, they’re probably ready to harvest.
Understanding the Harvest Window
Figs have an extremely short harvest window, making it tricky to pick them at peak ripeness. Checking your plants at least every other day during harvest season is the best way to spot when they’re ripe but not overripe.
Once ripe, figs remain in prime condition for only a few days. If you miss them on the trees, they’ll likely become mushy, split, and/or be lost to insects and birds.
Picking as soon as they’re ripe is essential. Even if you don’t plan on eating them right away, don’t leave them on the tree. Ripe fruits will keep well off the tree for about a week in the refrigerator, and they also lend themselves well to drying and preserving in jams.
How to Harvest Figs
Ripe figs are delicate, so you should harvest them carefully. Rough handling bruises the fruit, decreasing its flavor and shelf life.
Harvesting early in the day when the fruits are cool is ideal, but you can also pick them in the evening. Avoid harvesting during the heat of the day, if possible.
Although these fruits are delicate, you can harvest them with your hands. Some people find the stem’s sap irritating, so you may want to wear gloves when harvesting.
Gently grab a ripe fruit, then lift it upward while giving it a gentle twist. Ripe ones will easily detach from the tree, so resistance means the fruit isn’t fully ripe.
Carefully place the fruits into a shallow basket or container, being mindful not to overfill it.
Storing Figs After Harvest
These fruits are highly perishable, especially when you harvest them at peak ripeness. Properly storing them after harvest is key to making them last.
Fresh figs will last for a few days at room temperature, so eat them quickly if you keep them on the counter. Storing them in the refrigerator helps them last for about a week.
Avoid washing before storing them. If the fruits are ripe after picking, dry them with a towel before storing. It’s fine to wash the fruit right before eating.
If you can’t eat all your ripe fruits at once, consider preserving them. The fruits are excellent dried and also taste great in jam or preserves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do figs split before harvest?
Figs often split when they become overripe. Sudden changes in soil moisture can also cause the fruit to crack.
Are breba figs different from main crop figs?
Yes. Breba figs appear on last year’s wood earlier in the year. They’re fewer in number than the main crop and often less sweet.
