Drying and preserving figs - without any dehydrator

• preparation
• Figs air-dry
• Figs dry in the oven
• Sweetening figs before drying

To dry your delicious and healthy figs you do not necessarily need an expensive dehydrator. There are two ways to make the fruit much cheaper, but just as effective for a long time: by natural sun drying or at home in the oven. We provide detailed step-by-step instructions for both variants.

preparation

First of all, some preparatory measures have to be taken. These fall both in the sun drying and drying in the oven.

Tip: Dry only fully ripe fruits to get a good, tasty result. Ripe figs recognize that they are very soft and yield even with light pressure. Occasionally it also results in a tough juice.

You need this:

• ripe figs
• sharp kitchen knife
• clean dishcloth or kitchen paper

How to proceed:

Step 1: Thoroughly wash the figs to remove dirt and other debris (bacteria, etc.).

Step 2: Dab the washed and cut figs dry with a clean dishcloth or kitchen paper.

Step 3: Cut off noticeable bruises and broken parts with a sharp kitchen knife.

Step 4: Keep the knife in your hand and cut the figs from the stem to the top in the middle.

Note: This is because halved figs dry faster.

Figs air-dry

The natural sun-drying is of course the most beautiful way to dry figs. However, it carries the risk of attracting hungry insects. We will explain how to keep figs in the sun and give tips on what you can do to prevent the vermin from gaining access to the fruit.

You need this:

• ripe figs (cleaned and cut)
• wire mesh
• cheesecloth
• duct tape

How to proceed:

Step 1: Take the wire mesh.

Step 2: Lay out with one or two layers of cheesecloth, depending on whether the grid has smaller to medium (one layer) or very large (two layer) holes.

Important: Never use a solid sheet. The figs need full ventilation from above and below to be able to dry properly.

Step 3: Place the prepared figs on the cut side up.

Tip: Make sure that there is a few millimeters between the individual fruits so that they do not "grow together" when drying.

Step 4: Cover the figs again with a layer of cheesecloth.

Note: To protect the fruits when drying from insects.

Step 5: Stick the cheesecloth tightly around the wire mesh. If you are unsure about stability, help with tape.

Important: Be careful when masking - the figs should logically not come into contact with the tape.

Step 6: Bring the prepared frame out into the garden. Regarding the place, there are several aspects to consider:

• Figs need full sunlight
• ideal: dry and hot conditions
• by no means overshadowed

Step 7: The figs now have to dry for two to three days. Nevertheless, you are asked:

a) Bring the fruits into the house in the evening, unless the temperature at your place of residence does not drop below 20 degrees Celsius at night.

b) Apply the figs every morning. This will ensure that the fruits dry evenly.

Figs dry in the oven

Dry your figs in the oven, the fruits are certainly protected from insects. However, there is also a small risk associated with this method: The temperature in the oven must not be too high, otherwise the fruits threaten to boil and become inedible.

You need this:

• Figs (cleaned and cut)
• wire mesh
• oven

How to proceed:

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 50 to 60 degrees Celsius.

Note: Your oven will not allow such a low temperature ">

Important: Again, it should be noted that it is a frame with holes for ventilation.

Step 3: Place the figs on the cut side up.

Tip: The fruits should not touch if possible.

Step 4: Place the occupied rack in the preheated oven.

Step 5: The figs are left exposed to heat for about 10 to 20 hours. You have to perform the following tasks in time:

a) Leave the oven door open for the first hour under all circumstances so that moisture can escape.

b) Open the door for about 30 minutes every two to three hours, if your oven does not allow a temperature of just 50 or 60 degrees Celsius.

c) Retrieve the rack about 2 hours apart to turn the fruit and promote uniform drying.

When should the figs be described as dry?

If the figs are slightly leathery from the outside and no juice exits when pressed or split, the fruits have reached the desired dry state. Check these features in between to determine the perfect time for the end of the drying process - for both the sun and the oven variants.

Sweetening figs before drying

If you would like to enjoy the figs a little sweeter later, it is advisable to prepare them accordingly before drying.

You need this:

• ripe figs (WITHOUT preparation!)
• about 250 g of sugar
• about 750 ml of water
• cooking pot

How to proceed:

Step 1: Dissolve the sugar in the water in a conventional saucepan.

Step 2: Bring the sugar water to a boil.

Step 3: Add the figs to the mixture and simmer for about ten minutes (medium level).

Step 4: Remove the fruit from the sugar water and start cutting and drying.

Keep figs properly after successful drying

Once the figs have dried, they should be immediately transferred to a suitable container. It is best to use an airtight container or freezer bag. It is advisable to store the fruits in the fridge or even in the freezer to extend their shelf life. So preserved, the dried figs are edible for about 18 to 24 months.

You can also dry apple rings - here you will find the detailed instructions: Apple rings dry