3 Ways To Dry Figs - WikiHow

Home » How To Dry A Fig » 3 Ways To Dry Figs - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Dry Figs PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Sophia Bell Reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward

Last Updated: March 10, 2025 Approved

PDF download Download Article
  • Drying Figs in the Sun
    • |
  • Using the Oven
    • |
  • Dehydrating Figs
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 22 testimonials and 100% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 403,751 times.

Contrary to popular belief, a fig isn't actually a fruit—it's a collection of dried flowers! Figs are high in iron, calcium, and potassium, and have more fiber than most fruits and vegetables. Drying figs preserves their sweet taste and allows you to store them for months. You can dry figs in the sunshine, in the oven, or in a dehydrator.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Drying Figs in the Sun

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 1 Rinse fully ripe figs. The best indication that a fig is fully ripe is when it falls to the ground. Rinse the figs with cool water to remove dirt and other debris, then pat them dry with a dishcloth or paper towel.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 2 Cut the figs in half. Use a paring knife to cut the figs in half from stem to tip on a cutting board. Cutting the figs in half will help them dry more quickly. Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 3 Lay them on a wire or wooden rack covered with cheesecloth. Put a layer of cheesecloth on top of any wooden or wire rack, such as those intended for cooling or dehydrating. In order to dry properly, the figs need airflow from above and below, so don't use a solid surface like a baking sheet. Place the figs cut-side up on the cheesecloth.
    • Alternatively, you could put whole figs on wooden skewers and hang them in the sun, using clothespins to attach the skewers to branches or to a clothesline.[1]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 4 Cover the figs with cheesecloth. This will protect them from insects as they dry. Tuck the cheesecloth tightly around the drying rack, securing it with tape if necessary, to make sure it won't come loose.[2]
    • If you hung up your figs instead, you won't be able to protect them with the cheesecloth.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 5 Place the rack in full sunlight during the day. This method works best when it is very dry and hot outside. Don't place the figs in the shade, or they won't dry as quickly and may spoil before they're properly preserved. You'll need to bring them in each evening so they don't get spoiled by dew.
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 6 Return the figs to the sun for 2 to 3 days. Each morning, turn the figs over so they dry evenly on all sides and then place them back outside in the sunlight. The figs are ready when the outside feels leathery and no juice can be seen on the inside when squeezed.
    • If the figs remain a little sticky, you can finish them in the oven.
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 7 Store the dried figs in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer. Tupperware or Ziploc bags are both options for storing your dried figs. They'll last several months in the fridge, or up to 3 years in the freezer.
    8. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using the Oven

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Preheat your oven to 140° F (60° C). 1 Preheat your oven to 140° F (60° C). This should be the lowest setting your oven has, which is necessary to dry the figs at a low, even temperature. Drying them at a higher temperature would result in cooked figs.[3]
    • If your oven doesn't heat to such a low temperature, set it at the lowest possible temperature and keep the oven door partially open.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 2 Rinse the figs thoroughly with water. Carefully trim away the stems as well as any damaged parts and pat them dry with a paper towel or dishcloth.[4]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 3 Cut the figs in half. Use a paring knife to slice the figs from stem to tip, lengthwise, on a cutting board. If they are particularly large, cut them in quarters.[5]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 4 Lay them cut-side-up on an oven-safe rack. Be sure to use a rack with ventilation holes, so that the figs dry from below and above. Using a regular baking pan will result in figs that don't dry evenly.[6]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 5 Put the figs in the oven for up to 36 hours. Prop the oven door open slightly to allow the moisture to escape and prevent the figs from getting too hot and cooking instead of drying. If you don't want to leave the oven on continuously, you can turn it off halfway through, then turn it back on if necessary. Be sure to turn the figs occasionally during the drying process.[7]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 6 Allow the figs to cool completely before storing them. The figs are done drying when the outsides are leathery and no juice can be seen on the inside when you split one open. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely before placing them in airtight containers, like Ziploc bags.[8]
  7. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 7 Put airtight containers full of dried figs in the fridge or freezer. You can freeze figs for up to 3 years. Or, you can keep them in the fridge for several months.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Dehydrating Figs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 1 Turn the dehydrator to the fruit setting. If your dehydrator doesn't have a fruit setting, turn it 135° F (57° C).[9]
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 2 Rinse the figs and cut them in quarters. Rinse the figs in cool water, then dry them with a dishcloth. Use a paring knife to remove the stems and cut the figs in quarters on a cutting board.[10]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 3 Place them skin-side-down on the dehydrator trays. Make sure to leave some room in between the fig pieces so air can circulate around them.[11]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 4 Dehydrate them for 6-8 hours. The amount of time will depend on the climate in your area as well as the size of the figs. Check them after 8 hours to see if they are dry to the touch, but still pliable and chewy. If so, they're done.[12]
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 5 Remove the trays and allow the figs to cool. Once the figs are done, carefully remove the trays from the dehydrator and place them on a heat-resistant surface. Let them cool completely before storing them.[13]
  6. Watermark wikiHow to Dry Figs 6 Store the dried figs in the fridge or freezer in airtight containers. Put the dried figs in Tupperware containers or Ziploc bags. They'll keep in the freezer for up to 3 years or in the fridge for several months.
    7. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How should you store dry figs? Community Answer Community Answer You should store them in an airtight container and eat them as soon as possible. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5
  • Question Could I dry whole figs in a dehydrator? Community Answer Community Answer Yes, but they will take longer to fully dry out. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 10
  • Question I put some dried figs in a plastic bag and some of them have started to mold. What did I do wrong? Community Answer Community Answer It's possible that you didn't dry them out right, or that there was some moisture in the bag that allowed them to mold. There might also be a small hole in the bag, or the bag may not have been sealed properly. Either way, you should throw them away. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • To add sweetness to your figs before drying, dissolve 1 cup (236 ml) of sugar into 3 cups (709 ml) of water and bring it to a boil. Add the figs to the water and sugar mixture and allow them simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remove the figs from the water and then follow the steps for sun or oven drying. Thanks Helpful 56 Not Helpful 45
  • Keep in mind that 3 pounds (1.36 kg) of fresh figs equal approximately 1 pound (0.45) of dried figs. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Figs
  • Water
  • Dishcloth
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Drying rack
  • Cheesecloth
  • Airtight containers

You Might Also Like

Make Dried FruitHow toMake Dried Fruit Dry Fruit in the OvenHow toDry Fruit in the Oven Eat a FigThe Best Ways to Eat Figs (Plus, How to Wash & Prepare Them) Dry Whole OrangesHow toDry Whole Oranges Cook FigsHow toCook Figs Dry ApplesHow toDry Apples Make RaisinsHow toMake Raisins Sun Dry FruitHow toSun Dry Fruit Make Sun Dried TomatoesHow toMake Sun Dried Tomatoes Freeze Dry FruitHow Do You Freeze Dry Fruit at Home? A Step-By-Step Guide Dry ChiliesHow toDry Chilies Dry ApricotsHow toDry Apricots How toMake Dried Orange Slices How toDry Ginger Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://delishably.com/fruits/drying-figs-in-the-sun
  2. ↑ https://www.countryfarm-lifestyles.com/drying-fruit.html
  3. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  4. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  5. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  6. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  7. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  8. ↑ https://tipnut.com/dry-figs/
  9. ↑ https://www.amodernhomestead.com/dehydrate-fresh-figs/
More References (4)
  1. ↑ https://www.amodernhomestead.com/dehydrate-fresh-figs/
  2. ↑ https://www.amodernhomestead.com/dehydrate-fresh-figs/
  3. ↑ https://www.amodernhomestead.com/dehydrate-fresh-figs/
  4. ↑ https://www.amodernhomestead.com/dehydrate-fresh-figs/

About This Article

Chef Jeff Woodward Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef This article was reviewed by Chef Jeff Woodward and by wikiHow staff writer, Sophia Bell. Jeff Woodward is a Private Chef and the Owner of The Rogue Chef based in Branson, Missouri. With over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry, he has cooked for esteemed clients including The Harlem Globetrotters, Peyton Manning, Mark Wahlberg, and Justin Timberlake. Chef Jeff won the Branson Tri-Lakes News Reader's Choice Award 2023 for Best Catering. He has been the Featured Chef Demonstrator for 2 years in a row for The Women's Show in Springfield, MO. The Rogue Chef has been the Hollister Chamber of Commerce Spotlight Chef, an award published in Tri-Lakes News. Chef Jeff's food has been featured on KY3 Television. He publishes a recipe weekly in the Branson Globe newspaper and monthly in Lost on the Lake Magazine. He published a feature article for Chef Talks in Discover Home and Style Magazine. He has an associate’s degree from Southwestern Illinois College and a Culinary Arts degree with a Certification in Baking from Ozark Technical College. This article has been viewed 403,751 times. 4 votes - 100% Co-authors: 19 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 403,751 Categories: Drying Food Article SummaryX

To dry figs, start by cutting them in half with a knife. Then, place the figs on an oven-safe rack with ventilation holes so the cut sides are facing up. Next, set your oven to the lowest temperature setting and put the figs inside of it. Let the figs dry in the oven with the door propped open for up to 36 hours. Once the figs are dry, let them cool completely before serving or storing them for later. If you want to learn how to dry your figs in the sun, keep reading the article! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian French Indonesian Dutch Chinese Arabic Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 403,751 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Pat Britton-Gipson

    Pat Britton-Gipson

    Aug 3, 2017

    "Our fig tree this year has a bumper crop and we were at our wits end how to save some for later in the year...." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Chef Jeff Woodward Reviewed by: Chef Jeff Woodward Private Chef Co-authors: 19 Updated: March 10, 2025 Views: 403,751 100% of readers found this article helpful. 4 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote Pat Britton-Gipson

Pat Britton-Gipson

Aug 3, 2017

"Our fig tree this year has a bumper crop and we were at our wits end how to save some for later in the year...." more Phillip Benson

Phillip Benson

Aug 24, 2017

"I have a SunOven and dehydrating racks but wasn't sure about prep, set-up, the drying period, and methods of..." more Anonymous

Anonymous

Sep 11, 2017

"Needed to figure out what to do with a huge crop of figs that might have gone to waste. The recipes I found using..." more Rated this article: Sheila Dee

Sheila Dee

Jul 7, 2016

"The instructions for drying figs were clear and easy to follow. I didn't know the figs had to be cut in half..." more Cindy Krueger

Cindy Krueger

Jul 9, 2017

"I have a huge fig tree in my backyard that has grown for generations and more figs than I know what to do with...." more Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Age Is My Brain QuizWhat Age Is My Brain QuizTake QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizWhat Fruit Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizWhat Type of Hands Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizWhat Should I Bake QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Make Dried FruitHow toMake Dried FruitDry Fruit in the OvenHow toDry Fruit in the OvenEat a FigThe Best Ways to Eat Figs (Plus, How to Wash & Prepare Them)Dry Whole OrangesHow toDry Whole Oranges

Featured Articles

What Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerWhat Turns a Girl On? 31 Things to Try on Your PartnerLove AnalyzerLove AnalyzerSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasSending Your Sweetie a Love Note? Here are 200+ Romantic IdeasExercise Your BrainHow toExercise Your BrainBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithHow toBe a Fun Person to Hang out WithWhat Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?What Does Your Morning Routine Say About You?

Trending Articles

Make OutHow toMake OutHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizWhat Am I Craving QuizIs Your Personality More 6 or 7?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?What Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizIs a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?Is a Guy You Don't Know Well Interested in You?

Featured Articles

Develop Productive HabitsHow toDevelop Productive HabitsPractice Self CareHow toPractice Self CareWhat Song Matches Your Life Right Now?What Song Matches Your Life Right Now?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Your 2026 Vision: What Does Next Year Hold?Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Understanding the Most Attractive Face Shapes (& Determining Your Own)Type A B C D Personality TestType A B C D Personality Test

Featured Articles

250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)250+ Messages to Reassure Your Partner (For Him & Her)What Is My Favorite Color QuizWhat Is My Favorite Color Quiz215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas215+ Funny & Creative Personalized Vanity Plate Ideas100+ Creative Ways to Say Good Night100+ Creative Ways to Say Good NightWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep Quiz150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special150+ Love Paragraphs to Make Him Feel Special

Watch Articles

Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean)How to Deep Clean Your Kitchen Sink (& Keep It Clean) Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysHow to Curl Your Hair: 8 Easy & Quick WaysThicken Sauce with FlourHow toThicken Sauce with Flour Brighten Up White Shirts and Other GarmentsHow to Brighten Up White Shirts and Other Garments Cook White Rice without a Rice CookerHow to Cook White Rice without a Rice Cooker Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)How to Clean Out the Inside of a Glass Bottle (With or Without a Brush)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?Can We Guess If You're a Cat or Dog Person?30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & Beyond30 of the Hardest Riddles on Earth: The Harvard Riddle & BeyondWhich of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson)Which of the Big Three Are Your Parents? (Percy Jackson) Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersWhat’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What’s My Personality Based on My K-Pop Taste?What School Subject Are You?What School Subject Are You?

Quizzes & Games

Pizza CalculatorPizza CalculatorWhat Food Am I QuizWhat Food Am I QuizTake QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizHow Tall Will I Be QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizWhich Diet Is Right for Me QuizTake QuizWhat Time of Day Am I QuizWhat Time of Day Am I QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Food Preparation
  • Food Preservation Techniques
  • Drying Food
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --766

Tag » How To Dry A Fig