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homemade sun dried figs recipe
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Dried Fig Recipe - Sun-Dried Figs

A simple recipe for drying figs in the sun, homemade dried figs using the traditional method to dry seasonal figs.
Course Dessert, Fruit, Snack
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 3 days
Total Time 3 days
Doses for 1 kg (2.2 lbs) figs
Calorie per porzione100kcal
Cost Medium

Other details

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • 1 kg Ripe fresh figs (not too soft, not too hard) (2.2 lbs)

Instructions

How to make sun-dried figs

  • Homemade dried figs have a secret: they must be picked at the right ripeness. The figs chosen for drying should not be too soft and overly ripe, but they should not be too hard either. Once we have gathered 2.2 lbs (1 kg) of figs, we can proceed with the cutting.
  • A smooth-bladed knife should be used to make a cut from the base towards the stem without completely dividing the fruit. Thanks to the cut, the figs will dry in the sun in just 3 days, ensuring even drying.
  • Take a couple of wide trays and place the figs with the opening of the fruit facing upwards. Arrange the figs side by side without overlapping them. Then, to prevent insects from feasting on our figs, cover the trays with a fine mesh or thin cloth.
  • Place the trays in full sunlight. We will need to turn the figs 3 times a day. Also, every evening when the sun sets, it is time to bring them indoors to avoid prolonging the drying time. In the morning, we can place the trays of figs back in the sun to continue drying.
  • At the end of the three days, to ensure perfect drying, in case the air has been too humid during the drying period, we can bake the figs at 180°F (82°C) for a few minutes, just enough time to make them golden. Homemade dried figs are ready to be eaten!

Conservation

Dried figs should be consumed within a week and stored in a glass jar in a dry place. To preserve them for a longer period, the dried figs should be vacuum-sealed.

Tip

To make the dried figs more delicious, they can be caramelized in the oven after drying. Arrange them on a baking sheet, brush them generously with a mixture of water, brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon, then bake for 15 minutes at 180°F (82°C).
Tradition dictates that each dried fig is filled with dried fruit: an almond, walnut, or toasted hazelnut.
Dried figs filled with dried fruit can be coated in dark chocolate. They are usually served in this rich and calorie-dense version in December, during Christmas.

Watching calories

The recommended daily portion of dried figs is 1.4 oz (40 g). For each serving of homemade dried figs (without filling), the calorie intake is 100 kcal (calories).