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There's something wonderfully unexpected about a fig tree .. Of course, there's the excitement of waiting for the fruit to soften and sweeten in late summer, but figs have another gift hidden amongst their branches. Their beautifully scented leaves can be infused to add delicate notes of coconut, vanilla and fresh greenery to drinks, desserts and syrups.
Whether you're picking ripe figs from the tree, discovering the surprising flavour of fig leaves for the first time or have simply been given a handful by a generous neighbour, this page brings together my favourite recipes, practical tips and little discoveries along the way.
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Frequently Asked Questions About
Figs
Can you eat fig leaves?
Not usually. Fig leaves are best used to infuse flavour into milk, cream, syrups, alcohol or sugar rather than eaten themselves. Once infused, the leaves are removed, leaving behind their delicate coconut and vanilla-like aroma.
What do fig leaves taste like?
Fig leaves have a wonderfully subtle flavour that's often described as a blend of coconut, vanilla and fresh green herbs. They're surprisingly delicate and pair beautifully with creamy desserts, cocktails and fruit.
Which fig leaves should I use?
Choose healthy, fresh green leaves from a fig tree that hasn't been treated with pesticides or chemicals. Young, undamaged leaves tend to have the best flavour.
Can you freeze fig leaves?
Yes. Fresh fig leaves freeze well and can be infused straight from frozen, making it easy to enjoy their flavour long after summer has passed.
How do you use fig leaves in cooking?
Fig leaves are most often infused into liquids such as milk, cream, sugar syrup or spirits. Once they've released their flavour, simply remove the leaves before using the infused liquid in your recipe.
Can you cook with fresh figs?
Absolutely. Fresh figs are delicious served with cheese, roasted with honey, baked into tarts or gently cooked into chutneys, jams and desserts.
Do figs ripen after picking?
No. Figs stop ripening once they're picked, so it's best to harvest them when they're fully ripe, soft and beginning to droop slightly on the tree.
Can you freeze fresh figs?
Yes. Fresh figs freeze beautifully and are perfect for using later in baking, preserves, compotes and sauces.
What flavours pair well with figs?
Figs work beautifully with honey, goat's cheese, blue cheese, walnuts, pistachios, thyme, rosemary, citrus, blackberries and cider. Fig leaf also pairs wonderfully with gooseberries, pears and creamy desserts.
When are figs in season?
Fresh British figs are usually ready from late summer into early autumn, while fig leaves can be picked throughout the growing season for infusions.
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Looking for fig inspiration? Then Continue Cooking With Me ...
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like:
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Discover the Delight of Fresh Fig No Churn Ice Cream for a Refreshing Summer Treat
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Delicious Fig Kale & Goat's Cheese Salad with Savoury Granola
Jo's Kitchen Notes
Don't overlook the leaves ...
Before this year, I'd never imagined a fig tree had anything more to offer than its fruit. Then I discovered the delicate flavour hidden in the leaves, and suddenly the whole tree became an ingredient. It's one of those little kitchen discoveries that makes you look at familiar plants in a completely new way x
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