Figs are the small pear shaped fruit of the Ficus tree, originally native to Asia but now grown commercially across the Mediterranean where they are available from August through to early October with good availability the rest of the year from South American crops.

Though not particularly juicy, Figs are extremely luscious with a delicate sweet flavour, the thin skin encompasses a fibrous red/purple flesh filled with hundreds of tiny seeds that give each bite a slight crunch. The whole fruit can be eaten but it is worth just
trimming off the hard stalk and giving a careful wipe with a damp cloth.

Figs are highly perishable so are best consumed at the most 2 days after purchase. Keep in the fridge if already ripe, or in the fruit bowl for a couple of days to soften. Allow the fruit to come to room temperature before eating for maximum flavour.