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Packed in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, dried figs make a healthy and adaptable snack and they are also a popular addition to a variety of foods, best eaten with bread, cake and other baked food, used to accompany salads or just eaten on their own.
But if they are not stored properly, they might rot, get hard, dry out too much, attract pests, lose their flavour, or even develop mould, which lowers their quality and makes them less appetising. It is therefore important to have adequate knowledge on how to store dried figs so that they do not spoil or lose their great taste. You can keep these for months and still enjoy the same taste and texture by following some simple steps.
Store In Airtight Containers
Appropriate packaging is one of the most important aspects of maintaining the quality of dried figs. It is preserved from moisture and pests that lead to spoiling by placing it in well-sealed containers. For preserving freshness, glass jars, vacuum-sealed bags, or resealable plastic bags are great options. Before adding the figs, make sure the airtight containers are dry and clean. To reduce the amount of time the figs are exposed to air each time the container is opened, think about splitting them into smaller sections if you buy them in bulk.
Keep In A Cool, Dry Place
To extend their shelf life, dried figs should be kept in a dry, cold place. Since heat and light can gradually deteriorate their quality, it is best to store them in a pantry or kitchen cabinet away from direct sunlight. A storage temperature of 10–21°C is ideal. Keep away from places where there is a lot of humidity or temperature changes because these could promote the formation of mould . Keep an eye out for any indications of dampness or bugs that can harm dried figs in the storage space.
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Do Not Store With Strongly Scented Foods
One important thing to keep in mind when storing dried figs is to keep them away from food with strong scents. The flavour of dried figs may suffer as a result of their ability to absorb smells from their environment. When figs are stored next to cheeses, spices, or other aromatic items, they may absorb the flavours and become less appetising. To reduce the possibility of odour absorption, it is recommended to keep figs separate in their airtight container.
Refrigeration For Extended Shelf Life
Refrigeration is a great choice if you intend to keep dried figs for a long time. Refrigerated dried figs can be kept for up to 6–8 months without losing their freshness if they are kept in an airtight container or resealable bag. Keep an eye on the refrigerator's humidity levels when storing dried figs. It's important to maintain them properly sealed since too much moisture can cause mould to grow.
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Freezing Method For Long-Term Storage
Freezing is a practical way to preserve dried figs for a long-term. Wrap each fig separately in aluminum foil or plastic wrap it before freezing, then put them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The quality of frozen dried figs can last for a year. Thaw the figs at room temperature or in the refrigerator before using them. For the best flavour and texture, eat them within a few days of thawing.
