Terms of UseHow to Harvest Figs Explore this Article methods 1 When to Harvest Figs 2 Picking Figs 3 Storing Figs Other Sections Related Articles References Co-authored by Ben Barkan and Kira Jan
Last Updated: January 17, 2026 References
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This article was co-authored by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 1,856 times.
Looking to get the most out of your fig tree this harvest? Picking and storing figs takes a bit of extra know-how because the fruit is so delicate. But the harvesting process is definitely worth it! Aside from their rich taste, figs have the single highest fiber and mineral content among all common fruits and nuts, making them extremely nutritious.[1]XResearch source We’ll walk you through how to know exactly when your figs are ripe, how to properly pick them, and how to store them so they stay fresh.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
When to Harvest Figs
1 Watch for a change in color. Most fig varieties will turn from unripe green to purplish-brown when they’re ready to pick. [2]XResearch source In warmer climates, you might be able to harvest figs during the spring. In places with colder winters, the fruit won’t ripen until August or September.[3]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Some varieties of figs like the Green Ischia and Marseilles stay green. In that case, watch for when the color starts to deepen and the skin starts to sag.
Figs won’t ripen after being picked, so it’s important to frequently check back on your tree until they’re ready.[4]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
You won’t be the only one looking for figs when they ripen! Birds are extremely fond of figs, and can do a lot of damage to your harvest. Consider installing some simple netting over your fig tree to protect the fruit.[5]XResearch source
2 Look for figs that are sagging at the stem. When the fruit ripens, the figs will start to bend at the neck and look droopy because of their extra water weight. As they take on weight, you can also look for a split in the skin, which means it’s time to pick the fig. As the fig continues to ripen, this split will grow. When the split cuts through the entire fruit, the fig is overripe.[6]XResearch source
If you see white sap coming out of the neck as you pick the figs, stop picking. White sap from the stem indicates the figs are not ready to be harvested.
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3 Check to see if the fig is tender by squeezing it. Ripe figs should be soft, but not mushy. If the fig is still hard while you squeeze it, it might be best to leave it on its tree for a few more days.[7]X Trustworthy Source Royal Horticultural SocietyLeading gardening charity in the U.K. providing resources for identifying, growing and caring for flowers and other plants Go to source
Ripe figs will also frequently have a drop of sweet nectar coming out of their “eye” on the bottom of the fruit.
4 Taste the fig to test for ripeness. If the fig has a sweet taste and a soft texture, it’s ready to be picked. On the other hand, unripe figs will lack any sweetness, and they’ll be rubbery. If a fig is overripe, it’ll taste mushy and spoiled. Trust your instincts, and your taste buds![8]XResearch source Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:
Picking Figs
1 Twist the figs off of the tree for a quick and easy approach. Gently grasp the fig and twist it off the tree at the neck of the fruit. Some figs come off easier than others, but ripe figs should come off without too much effort.[9]XResearch source
Try to handle the fruit with care since figs bruise easily.
As you harvest, place the figs in a shallow bowl or crate without stacking them on top of each other (to prevent bruising).
2 Use a pair of pruning scissors to reduce the risk of fruit spoilage. Cut 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of stem above the fruit. Leaving the stem on will keep the figs fresh for a longer period of time. Cutting rather than hand-picking also speeds up the process, and it lowers the risk of accidentally crushing the figs while picking them.[10]XResearch source
3 Wear protective gloves and long sleeves as you pick. Fig sap can irritate your skin. Throw on any kind of gloves (gardening gloves, canvas gloves, etc) as long as they limit contact between the sap and your bare skin.[11]XResearch source Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:
Storing Figs
1 Refrigerate figs for up to a week. Place your figs in a single layer in a shallow dish or tray lined with paper towels. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Then, store the figs in the coldest part of your fridge, away from other produce to prevent rotting. Once picked, figs have a very short shelf life (about 2 days). Refrigeration can allow the figs to remain edible for longer, but they won’t last too long. Eat them while their flavor’s at its peak![12]XResearch source
Alternatively, you can store the figs in a plastic bag as long as you keep them spread out in one layer. Piling figs on top of each other can lead to bruising.
2 Freeze figs for up to 6 months.[13]XResearch source Wash the figs and remove their stems. Either cut them in half or leave them whole. Place them on a baking sheet, and leave them to freeze overnight. You can then pack them together in a freezer bag.[14]XResearch source
To preserve the color of light-colored figs, sprinkle ¾ teaspoon (3.7 mL) of ascorbic acid in 3 tbsp (44 mL) cold water and sprinkle the mixture over 1 quart of fruit (about 0.6 kg).[15]X Trustworthy Source National Center for Home Food PreservationPublicly-funded center dedicated to educating consumers about research-backed safety practices for preserving food Go to source
3 Dry your figs to store them at room temperature for 6-12 months.[16]XResearch source Simply put your figs in boiling water for 30 seconds (or until the skin splits). Move them into an ice bath to quickly stop the cooking process. Then, move the fruit to a dehydrator and leave your figs for 6-12 hours (you’ll need less time for halved or smaller figs).[17]X Trustworthy Source National Center for Home Food PreservationPublicly-funded center dedicated to educating consumers about research-backed safety practices for preserving food Go to source
Add a few squeezes of lemon juice before you place the fruit in the dehydrator to preserve the figs’ color.
If you live in a humid environment, it’s still a good idea to refrigerate dried figs to help them last up to 12 months.[18]XResearch source
Freezing dried figs will extend their life up to 18 months.
4 Eat your figs while they’re fresh. Figs are best within 2-3 days of harvesting. Since figs can be difficult to store for long periods of time, it’s best to use them as quickly as possible.[19]X Trustworthy Source National Center for Home Food PreservationPublicly-funded center dedicated to educating consumers about research-backed safety practices for preserving food Go to source Luckily, there are a number of great ways that you can add figs to your food to make it even more healthy and delicious.
For simple oven-roasted figs, bake them in the oven at 450 °F (232 °C) for 40 minutes. Or cook them for 30 minutes if you’d like to make fig jam.
Try adding figs to salads or to granola and yogurt.
You can even slice figs and then dip them in chocolate for a snack or dessert!
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Co-authored by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was co-authored by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 1,856 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 3Updated: January 17, 2026 Views: 1,856
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Co-authored by: Ben Barkan Garden & Landscape Designer This article was co-authored by Ben Barkan and by wikiHow staff writer, Kira Jan. Ben Barkan is a Garden and Landscape Designer and the Owner and Founder of HomeHarvest LLC, an edible landscapes and construction business based in Boston, Massachusetts. Ben has over 12 years of experience working with organic gardening and specializes in designing and building beautiful landscapes with custom construction and creative plant integration. He is a Certified Permaculture Designer, Licensed Construction Supervisor in Massachusetts, and a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor. He holds an associates degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. This article has been viewed 1,856 times. 4 votes - 75% Co-authors: 3 Updated: January 17, 2026 Views: 1,856 
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1 Watch for a change in color. Most fig varieties will turn from unripe green to purplish-brown when they’re ready to pick. [2] In warmer climates, you might be able to harvest figs during the spring. In places with colder winters, the fruit won’t ripen until August or September.[3] 
2 Look for figs that are sagging at the stem. When the fruit ripens, the figs will start to bend at the neck and look droopy because of their extra water weight. As they take on weight, you can also look for a split in the skin, which means it’s time to pick the fig. As the fig continues to ripen, this split will grow. When the split cuts through the entire fruit, the fig is overripe.[6] 
3 Check to see if the fig is tender by squeezing it. Ripe figs should be soft, but not mushy. If the fig is still hard while you squeeze it, it might be best to leave it on its tree for a few more days.[7] 
4 Taste the fig to test for ripeness. If the fig has a sweet taste and a soft texture, it’s ready to be picked. On the other hand, unripe figs will lack any sweetness, and they’ll be rubbery. If a fig is overripe, it’ll taste mushy and spoiled. Trust your instincts, and your taste buds![8] Advertisement 
1 Twist the figs off of the tree for a quick and easy approach. Gently grasp the fig and twist it off the tree at the neck of the fruit. Some figs come off easier than others, but ripe figs should come off without too much effort.[9] 
2 Use a pair of pruning scissors to reduce the risk of fruit spoilage. Cut 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) of stem above the fruit. Leaving the stem on will keep the figs fresh for a longer period of time. Cutting rather than hand-picking also speeds up the process, and it lowers the risk of accidentally crushing the figs while picking them.[10] 
3 Wear protective gloves and long sleeves as you pick. Fig sap can irritate your skin. Throw on any kind of gloves (gardening gloves, canvas gloves, etc) as long as they limit contact between the sap and your bare skin.[11] Advertisement 
1 Refrigerate figs for up to a week. Place your figs in a single layer in a shallow dish or tray lined with paper towels. Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Then, store the figs in the coldest part of your fridge, away from other produce to prevent rotting. Once picked, figs have a very short shelf life (about 2 days). Refrigeration can allow the figs to remain edible for longer, but they won’t last too long. Eat them while their flavor’s at its peak![12] 
2 Freeze figs for up to 6 months.[13] Wash the figs and remove their stems. Either cut them in half or leave them whole. Place them on a baking sheet, and leave them to freeze overnight. You can then pack them together in a freezer bag.[14] 
3 Dry your figs to store them at room temperature for 6-12 months.[16] Simply put your figs in boiling water for 30 seconds (or until the skin splits). Move them into an ice bath to quickly stop the cooking process. Then, move the fruit to a dehydrator and leave your figs for 6-12 hours (you’ll need less time for halved or smaller figs).[17] 
4 Eat your figs while they’re fresh. Figs are best within 2-3 days of harvesting. Since figs can be difficult to store for long periods of time, it’s best to use them as quickly as possible.[19] Luckily, there are a number of great ways that you can add figs to your food to make it even more healthy and delicious. 
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