Will Figs Ripen Off The Tree – The Honest Truth & 5 Tricks To Save

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

It’s a familiar story for every fig grower. You’ve watched your tree flourish all season, and now it’s loaded with beautiful, plump green fruit. But as you watch the calendar, a sense of urgency creeps in. The days are getting shorter, a chill is in the air, and you’re faced with a tough question: what do I do with all these figs before the first frost hits?

I know that feeling well. It’s tempting to pick them all and hope for the best. You’re probably wondering, will figs ripen off the tree if I just bring them inside? It’s one of the most common questions I hear from fellow gardeners.

I’m here to give you the honest, experienced answer. While the science might seem discouraging at first, I promise this guide will give you clarity and, more importantly, a plan. We won’t just answer the question; we’ll give you a complete will figs ripen off the tree guide.

In this post, we’ll dive into the simple science of fig ripening, teach you how to spot a fig that actually has a chance, and share five practical techniques to help soften and salvage your late-season harvest. Let’s save those precious figs together!

The Short Answer (and Why It’s Complicated)

Let’s get right to it. The straightforward, scientific answer is no, figs do not truly ripen off the tree. Once a fig is picked, it will not continue to develop the sugars and complex flavors that make it so delicious.

I know, that’s probably not what you wanted to hear. But don’t head out to the compost bin just yet! This is where experience trumps simple science.

While a rock-hard, deep green fig will never become a jammy, sweet treat on your counter, a fig that has already started the ripening process on the branch can be coaxed into becoming softer and more palatable. The key is knowing the difference and using the right tricks.

Understanding the Fig Ripening Process: Climacteric vs. Non-Climacteric Fruits

To really understand the “why,” it helps to know a little secret from the world of fruit. Fruits generally fall into two categories, and knowing which one your fig belongs to is everything.

What is a Climacteric Fruit?

Think of a green banana or a hard avocado you bought from the store. These are climacteric fruits. They release a natural plant hormone called ethylene gas after being harvested. This gas triggers a burst of ripening activity, allowing them to soften, change color, and become sweeter on your kitchen counter.

Why Figs are Different (Non-Climacteric)

Figs, on the other hand, are non-climacteric. They do not produce that magical burst of ethylene after being picked. All the important sugar development happens while the fig is connected to the mother tree, drawing nutrients and energy.

When you pick a fig, you essentially stop that process in its tracks. It might get softer, but it won’t get sweeter. This is why our focus isn’t on ripening, but on salvaging figs that are on the very cusp of perfection.

How to Tell if a Fig Has a Chance: Spotting the Signs of Maturity

Before you even think about picking, you need to become a fig detective. Your success depends entirely on choosing figs that are physiologically mature, even if they aren’t fully ripe. Here’s your checklist—these are the will figs ripen off the tree best practices for selection.

  • The “Droop” Test: A fig that is actively ripening will start to get heavy with sugars and water. Look at the small stem connecting the fig to the branch—the “neck.” An unripe fig points straight out or upwards, but a ripening fig will droop and hang downwards from its own weight. This is your number one sign!
  • The Color Change: While color varies by variety (from green to brown to purple), you should see a distinct shift from the deep, flat green of an unripe fig to the richer, deeper tones of its mature color. It might not be fully colored, but the change should have started.
  • The Feel and Texture: Gently cup the fig in your hand and give it the slightest squeeze. An unripe fig feels hard as a rock. A fig with potential will have a little give—not mushy, but yielding to gentle pressure.
  • The “Eye” of the Fig: Look at the small hole at the bottom of the fig, technically called the ostiole. On many ripening figs, this “eye” will open slightly and may even have a tiny, glistening drop of honey-like nectar. This is a sure sign that the sugars are developing.
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If a fig doesn’t have at least two or three of these signs, especially the droop and some softness, it’s best to leave it. Picking it will only lead to disappointment.

Will Figs Ripen Off the Tree? 5 Techniques to Try with Underripe Figs

Okay, you’ve identified some promising candidates that had to be picked early due to frost or pesky squirrels. Now what? Here are some practical will figs ripen off the tree tips you can use to encourage them to soften and become more enjoyable.

1. The Classic Paper Bag Method

This is the most common technique for a reason. While figs don’t produce much ethylene themselves, we can put them in an environment with a fruit that does!

  1. Place your slightly underripe figs in a paper bag. Don’t overcrowd them; give them some space.
  2. Add a high-ethylene producing fruit, like a ripe banana (the best choice) or an apple.
  3. Loosely fold the top of the bag to trap the ethylene gas inside.
  4. Keep the bag at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and check it daily. Within 2-3 days, you should notice the figs becoming much softer.

2. The Sunny Windowsill Trick

This method is incredibly simple and relies on gentle warmth to help soften the fruit’s flesh.

Simply place your figs in a single layer on a plate or tray and set them on a warm, sunny windowsill. The gentle heat can accelerate the softening process. This works best for figs that are already very close to being ripe. Be sure to turn them once a day to prevent soft spots on one side.

3. The Olive Oil “Oleification” Method (An Old-World Secret)

This is a fantastic trick that Mediterranean growers have used for centuries, and it’s one of my favorites. Traditionally, it’s used to speed up ripening on the tree, but it can also help with softening picked figs.

Using a cotton swab or your finger, apply a tiny, single drop of olive oil to the “eye” (ostiole) at the bottom of each fig. The oil helps to seal the opening, trapping internal gases and moisture, which encourages the fig to soften more quickly. This is an amazing tip for your will figs ripen off the tree care guide.

4. Gentle Heat with a Dehydrator or Oven

If your figs are soft but still a bit bland, you can use gentle heat to concentrate their existing sugars, making them taste sweeter.

Set your dehydrator to its lowest setting (around 115°F or 46°C) or your oven to its “warm” setting with the door cracked open. Place the figs on a tray and let them warm for a few hours. This won’t “ripen” them, but it can transform a bland, soft fig into a passable, chewy treat.

5. When All Else Fails: Cook Them!

This is the ultimate secret weapon. Sometimes, a fig just won’t soften enough or taste great raw. That’s okay! These less-than-perfect figs are fantastic for cooking.

Chopping them up and simmering them with a bit of sugar, water, and lemon juice can create a delicious fig jam or compote. The cooking process breaks down the firm flesh and unlocks their flavor. Don’t see it as a failure—see it as an opportunity for fig preserves!

Common Problems with Ripening Figs Off the Tree (And How to Avoid Them)

As you try these methods, you might run into a few snags. Don’t worry, these are common problems with will figs ripen off the tree experiments, and they are easy to manage.

Problem: Mold and Rot

Cause: Too much moisture and not enough air circulation, especially in a paper bag.

Solution: Always ensure your figs are completely dry before trying any method. Don’t overcrowd the bag or container, and check on them every single day. Discard any that show even the smallest sign of mold immediately to save the rest.

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Problem: Attracting Fruit Flies

Cause: Figs release aromas that are irresistible to fruit flies.

Solution: Make sure your paper bag is folded securely. If using the windowsill method, you can cover the figs loosely with a mesh food cover. A small dish of apple cider vinegar with a drop of soap nearby can act as an effective fruit fly trap.

Problem: The Fig is Soft but Tasteless

Cause: This goes back to our core principle. The fig has softened, but the sugars never developed on the tree.

Solution: This is where you pivot to cooking! A bland raw fig can still be a star in a jam, a baked good, or a savory sauce for pork or chicken. Don’t throw it out.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices for Your Fig Harvest

Being a Greeny Gardener means thinking about our impact. A big part of a sustainable will figs ripen off the tree approach is about minimizing waste and using what nature gives us.

Instead of seeing unripe figs as a loss, view them as a different kind of harvest. Truly green, hard figs can be used in many cultures to make delicious pickles or preserves. This ensures none of your tree’s energy goes to waste.

When attempting to soften figs, use reusable containers or paper bags that can be composted. Any figs that do go bad during the process can be added directly to your compost pile, returning their nutrients to the soil. This is a core part of an eco-friendly will figs ripen off the tree philosophy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ripening Figs

Can you ripen figs in the microwave?

No, please don’t try this! The microwave will simply cook the fig, turning it into a hot, mushy, and often unpleasant-tasting mess. It doesn’t trigger any ripening or softening processes in a helpful way.

Why are my figs falling off the tree before they are ripe?

This is a common issue often caused by inconsistent watering (fig trees hate “wet feet” but also don’t like to dry out completely), a sudden heatwave, or a lack of pollination for certain varieties (known as “Smyrna” types). For most common backyard figs, water stress is the number one culprit.

How long does it take for a fig to ripen on the tree?

This varies greatly depending on the variety and your climate, but once a fig starts to swell and soften on the tree, it typically becomes fully ripe within 7 to 14 days. Daily observation is key during this time!

Your Fig Harvest Success Plan

So, let’s circle back to our big question: will figs ripen off the tree? The honest answer is no, not in the way a banana does. They won’t get sweeter.

But that’s not the end of the story. By learning to identify a fig that has already begun its journey to ripeness—one that is starting to droop and soften—you absolutely can coax it into a delicious, edible state on your counter. Your new goal is to assist, not to create from scratch.

Remember the paper bag trick with a banana, try the ancient olive oil method, and never underestimate the power of turning a stubborn fig into a delicious jam. Embrace the entire harvest, perfect or not.

Now you have the knowledge and the techniques of an experienced grower. Go out there, look at your tree with new eyes, and get ready to enjoy every last fig. Happy gardening!

Rimon Chowdhury
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