How to dry figs at home and how to store them in the refrigerator

How to dry figs at home

Drying is a great way to preserve food. Traditionally, fruits, including figs, are dried in the sun to make them easier to store. Today, we mostly prepare dried figs to preserve their taste and enjoy them in the off-season. Another reason for drying it is to improve its taste. Figs also become sweeter as they dry. Here is the best How to dry figs We will explain it to you in different ways.

The best way to dry figs in the sun

The best way is to dry figs in the sun. Traditionally, homemade dried figs are usually prepared in the sun. This is the easiest way to prepare dried figs at your home. Its steps are as follows:

1. Wash the figs carefully to avoid crushing them.

2. Remove the stems, bruised parts and any dirt or debris from the figs.

3. Cut the figs in half using a kitchen knife (optional). This makes them dry quickly and efficiently, leaving no juice in the center after drying.

4. Place the halved figs in a single layer on a wooden rack or wire mesh covered with cheese cloth or tea towel. A wooden rack or wire rack is better than pans or baking sheets with solid surfaces because it allows air to circulate.

5. Place the wooden rack or wire rack in the sunlight for at least three days. Turn Anjiz 3 to 4 times a day.

6. Put the cheese cloth in the wooden shelves or cover the shelves with a net so that insects do not infect it.

7. Bring the figs indoors at the end of the day because the humidity in the evening makes them dry longer.

8. When the drying process is finished, the figs should be soft and chewy, and should not ooze water when pressed between the fingers.

Also read: How to prepare excellent home-made Bukhara plums with the skin in the market method without sulphur

The best way to dry figs in the oven

Drying in the oven is an efficient way to dry figs at home on a small scale. The preparation steps are the same as drying in the sun, but drying takes place in the oven instead of the sun. These steps are as follows;

1. Wash the figs carefully to remove any dirt or contamination on them.

2. Remove the stems and remove any bruised parts using a sharp knife.

3. Cut the figs in half with a knife. (This step is optional but may help it dry faster and more evenly.)

4. Place the figs in one layer on a baking sheet so that none of them touch each other.

5. Set the oven temperature to 110 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit and leave the door slightly open to avoid moisture accumulation.

6. Leave the figs in the oven for about 10 to 12 hours. Check them regularly after 10 hours to see if they are dry.

Also read: How to prepare juicy and sour homemade dried cherries with pomegranate paste in the market way

The best way to dry figs in a fruit dryer

Although it’s fun to make dried figs using the oven, using a dehydrator is more efficient. Desktop electric dryers outperform ovens in many ways. dryers, unlike ovens, in which the temperature tends to fluctuate; They keep the internal temperature constant. They run on low voltage, making them an energy-efficient option. The steps of drying in the dryer are as follows:

1. Wash and dry the figs.

2. Remove the stems, any bruises and residue, and cut the figs in half (optional).

3. Place the figs in a single layer on the draining racks.

4. Place them in a dehydrator at 135°F or fruit setting for 6 to 8 hours or until set.

5. Check from time to time and turn the other side until it dries evenly.

How to store dried figs in the refrigerator

The best, easiest, cheapest and most efficient way to store dried figs is in a cotton bag that you put in a cool, dry and juicy storage room. Ensure that the storage temperature does not exceed 15°C.

If for any reason such as lack of space or weather conditions, you cannot store figs in a cotton bag in a cool warehouse, the next option is to store dried figs in the refrigerator. In this way, put the cotton bag in two plastic bags (important!) and put it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator. The bottom shelf of the refrigerator is cool enough, but not too cold, so the best place to choose is in the refrigerator. They can last six months or more in the fridge if well sealed (so two plastic bags).

You can freeze dried figs if you prefer to have them for a longer life, that’s fine too. Just be sure to store them in airtight plastic containers or sealed freezer bags to prevent further moisture or dehydration. It is better to seal them with a vacuum cleaner and put them in the freezer.

Also read: how to make fresh homemade black fig jam with saffron, delicious and easy

last word

Drying is an excellent way to preserve the properties of food. In this article from Alamo, we have described three of the best ways to dry figs at home and how to store them in the refrigerator. These methods are useful for home use and in small quantities.