La fig season is eagerly awaited by fans of this fruit sweet and fragrant. Every year, it marks a special moment to enjoy... fresh figs, picked when ripe. This delicate fruit, rich in flavors, comes in several Varieties to staggered harvests. Understanding when pick the figs, How to recognize them ripe And knowing how to savor them is essential to fully enjoying them. In this article, discover everything you need to know about fig season, from the harvest to the best ways to enjoy it, without neglecting regional specificities.
Table of Contents
When is fig season?
The two main harvest periods
The fig season generally runs from June to September, but is divided into two distinct periods depending on the variety. fig treesThe first, called the fig flower (more on this later), begins at the end of June and lasts until mid-July. It comes from the buds formed the previous year. These are often larger figs, but in more limited quantities.
The second period concerns the autumn fig. It begins in August and can last until the end of September, or even the beginning of October depending on the region. This harvest comes from the buds of the year and generally offers a more abundant production, with sweeter and more fragrant fruits.
Variations by region
The climate has a direct influence on the ripening period of figs. In the south of France, such as in Provence or the Var, the season begins earlier, sometimes as early as the first half of June for flowering figs. The further north you go, the later the fruit ripens and the shorter the season, often concentrated between late July and early September.
In countries around the Mediterranean, such as Morocco, Spain, and Turkey, the summer heat allows for a longer season and earlier harvests. In these areas, figs can be available on the market as early as May. In regions with tropical or subtropical climates, some varieties can even produce outside of these traditional windows, but this remains a marginal case in temperate zones.
Which varieties of figs are there depending on the season?
Monovariety vs. bivariety
Fig trees are divided into two main categories: uniferous and biferous varieties. Uniferous fig trees produce only one harvest per year, generally at the end of summer. Conversely, fig trees (fig trees with two crops) They offer two harvests: the first in early summer (breast fig) and the second in August-September (autumn fig). This distinction allows for better harvest planning, especially for gardeners or producers who wish to spread production over several weeks.
Some varieties like the Goutte d'Or or Rum de Bordeaux are biferous, making them prime choices for continuous domestic production. Others, such as the red Bordeaux or Solliès fig, only produce one annual harvest, but in significant quantities. The choice of variety therefore directly influences the harvest period and the availability of figs on the shelves.
Fig from Solliès, Black from Caromb, White from Argenteuil
Each fig variety has its own ripening period, flavor, and distinctive appearance. The Solliès fig, widely distributed in France, is a late-ripening variety harvested mainly in August and September. It is distinguished by its dark purple skin and juicy, sweet red flesh. It is the only French fig to benefit from a AOP designation.
La Black Caromb, originally from Vaucluse, also ripens in late summer. It is smaller than the Solliès fig but very fragrant, ideal for eating fresh. In contrast, the Blanche of Argenteuil, with green skin and light flesh, can produce from the end of June, which makes it an excellent variety for flowering figs.
How to recognize a fig that is ripe and ready to pick?
Visual and tactile signs to observe
A fig is ripe when it reaches its final size, its skin begins to relax, and the fruit becomes supple to the touch. The color varies depending on the variety: it goes from green to dark purple for black figs, can take on a golden hue for some white figs, while other varieties remain green even when ripe. A ripe fig curves slightly downward, a sign that the stalk has lost its rigidity.
The fruit should yield slightly to finger pressure without being too soft. A drop of sweet liquid may sometimes appear at the tip, indicating an advanced degree of ripeness. On the other hand, if the fig is still firm and upright, it is not ready to be harvested.
The right time for harvesting
Figs must be harvested at full maturity, as they do not ripen further after picking. Therefore, it is essential to carefully observe the condition of the fruit every day during the season. The best time to pick is in the morning, on a dry day, once the dew has evaporated. This limits the risk of mold and extends the shelf life.
It is important not to leave figs on the tree for too long: overripe fruit becomes soft, cracks, and quickly attracts insects or birds. Daily monitoring allows for timely intervention, avoiding losses.
When and how to harvest figs?
Harvest period according to variety
Early varieties like the Blanche d'Argenteuil produce their first fruits as early as late June. Fig trees with two-tiered figs allow for a first harvest in early summer, followed by a second wave of figs starting in August. Late varieties like the Solliès fig or the Noire de Caromb are harvested mainly between late August and mid-September.
In warmer regions, these periods can be brought forward by two to three weeks. The ripening rate is gradual: not all figs are ready at the same time. Regular harvesting, sometimes every day or every two or three days, is necessary during the peak season.
Tips for successful hand harvesting
Because figs are fragile fruits, they should be harvested by hand, and with care. It is best to detach them by pinching them between your thumb and forefinger, then gently pulling them downward. For larger fig trees, telescopic pruners or a cherry picker may be useful to avoid damaging the branches.
It is recommended to use gloves and wear long sleeves, as the milky sap of the fig tree can be irritating to the skin. After picking, the figs should be placed in a shallow basket to prevent them from crushing. They should then be consumed quickly, within 24 to 48 hours, or stored in a cool place if necessary.
How to enjoy figs during their season?
Enjoy them fresh at the right time
Figs are at their peak flavor when freshly picked. Their juicy, sweet, slightly grainy flesh can be enjoyed plain, without any additions, or in... recipes.They are best enjoyed at room temperature, which allows their aromas to fully develop. They can accompany a fruity breakfast, be served whole as an appetizer, or simply enjoyed as a snack.
Choosing to eat them fresh during their season allows you to appreciate all the subtleties of their flavor, much richer than those of imported or preserved figs. It's also a simple way to eat local and seasonal figs.
Combine them with other seasonal products
Fresh figs pair perfectly with produce available at the same time.
In summer and early autumn, they pair well with mature cheeses such as Roquefort, goat's or sheep's cheese, but also with dried fruits such as walnuts or AlmondsThese combinations create a balance between sweetness, acidity, and crunch. They can also enrich a summer salad composed of arugula, heirloom tomatoes, mozzarella, or melon.
These combinations allow you to use figs in a simple, natural and delicious way, following the rhythm of the seasons.
Preservation ideas to extend the season
Since figs are highly perishable, it's helpful to plan some storage methods to enjoy them after the season. Fresh figs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days, provided they are placed in an airtight container or wrapped carefully to preserve their freshness.
A simple solution is to freeze them whole or in pieces, after having carefully washed and dried them. They can then be used in desserts, compotes or smoothies.
Drying is another effective method. Simply cut the figs in half and let them dehydrate in the open air or in a low-temperature oven. dried figs can be kept for several months in a cool place away from light.
Finally, jar lovers can preserve them by transforming them into jamThese techniques make it possible to use surplus harvests while reducing waste.
Conclusion
The fig season, which runs from June to September, is an ideal time to enjoy this delicate fruit with its sweet and fragrant flavor. Whether it's the flowering figs of early summer or the more abundant autumn figs, each variety offers a unique richness. Harvested when ripe and eaten fresh, they fully reveal their aromas. Combining figs with other seasonal products or preserving them allows you to enjoy them for longer. cultivating or by buying locally, we rediscover the simple pleasure of a fragile but generous fruit, to be consumed while respecting the natural rhythm of its ripening.
FAQ
When does the fig season start in France?
The season generally begins in late June with the first fig flowers. It continues until September for autumn varieties. The period can vary slightly depending on the region and climatic conditions.
When is the best time to harvest figs?
Figs should be harvested when fully ripe, often between late June and late September. Each variety has its own harvest window, which must be observed closely. A ready fig can be recognized by its flexibility and curved stalk.
How do you know if a fig is ripe?
A ripe fig is supple, well-colored, and slightly droopy. It may occasionally release a sweet drop at the base. If it is still firm and upright, it is not yet ready.
Can you freeze fresh figs?
Yes, figs can be frozen whole or in pieces. Simply wash them, dry them, and place them in an airtight bag. This allows them to be stored for several months without any additives.
What fruits pair well with figs?
Figs pair well with dried fruits like nuts, summer fruits like melon, or milder flavors like pearThey also pair wonderfully with certain cheeses. These simple combinations allow you to vary the pleasures during the season.
