One of our favorite ingredients making its way onto menu in the recent season is Figs. Although dried figs are available throughout the year, there is nothing like the unique taste and texture of fresh figs. They are lusciously sweet with a texture that combines the chewiness of their flesh, the smoothies of their skin, and the the cushiness of their seeds. California figs are available from June through September and some European varieties are available through the late autumn months.
Since fresh figs are one of the most perishable fruits, we highly recommend purchasing the fruit only one to two day in advance of when you and your chef plan on preparing and serving them. Because, figs are plump, deep in color and extremely tender they do tend to become mushy if they not used in a timely manner.
Fear not, this delightful fruit can be prepared easily and quickly and create rich menu items are will be sure to impress your guests palates. It is important before eating or cooking figs to wash them under cool water and then gently remove the stem. Gently wipe dry. You can then decide to either did the fruit or set aside to use in a recipe.
The versatility of figs is undoubtedly a impressive selling point and reason to procure the product. Whether you are preparing a delicious oatmeal dish, poaching the figs in juice/red wine and serve them for dessert, quartered figs into a salad with fennel, arugula and shaved parmesan or even fresh figs stuffed with goat cheese and chopped almonds that be served as hors d’oeuvres or desserts. The options are endless and we know that your guests will absolutely be enthralled that you are serving such a tantalizing item.
Some of our favorite recipes are cost effective and will help you branch off into new segments.
Below we hope you enjoy some of our favorite recipes incorporating figs.
Fig and Fresh Apple No-Bake Cobbler
Prep and Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
2 small apples
1/4 tsp lemon juice
1 TBS apple juice
4 dried figs (or fresh when in season)
4 TBS chopped almonds
1/2 tsp lemon zest (*Use organic lemon for zest, if possible)
1/4 tsp cinnamon
pinch of cloves
pinch of allspice
2 tsp honey
Directions:
1 Cut apples into quarters. Cut out core and slice fruit into 1/4-inch thick slices. Turn apples and cut across slices for diced apples. In a mixing bowl, toss with lemon and apple juice.
2 Cut the stem off of the figs. Cut figs into quarters and chop to produce pieces 1/4-inch or less. Add to the apples.
3 Add the remaining ingredients and toss until well combined. For best nutrition, eat immediately. If you prefer it chilled, cover well and place in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
