Um, so I was gifted a fig tree...

[kuntrygirl]

I love figs. I bought a fig tree at Lowe's last year. It should be full of figs in about 20 yrs. I can't wait.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Figs can be eaten fresh, used in baking or made into fig preserves.

I have a large stand of fig trees just outside the door to one of my coops. Tons of fruit in late summer. If I don't beat the chickens to em, they get every last fig. The younger birds even fly up into the tree to dine.

I hear if you dry them, they taste like candy. I haven't had enough to try it yet though.

 

[diggerthechickenman]

here in south AL i have 2 really big trees, chickens love them i agree , and some of the old timers come by every year and ask if they can pick some for preserves . i tell them as long as the chickens and the horses dont mind it is fine with me . besides i always get a few jars in return . but always have more than i would ever know what to do with . i read a few posts back on the price i may have to check into that and start selling them at the local farmers market , afterall might make some money for feed if nothing else.

 

[Joz]

Figs are excellent. The trees are easy to prune, and therefore easy to shape to the desired form. You can let it get tall, or keep it short and wide. The first leaves are a reliable indication of springtime.

Some figs are greenish or pink when ripe, others get nearly black. Ask what variety of fig you were gifted, so you can look it up and see what to expect. If it doesn't come off the tree easily, then it's not quite ripe yet.

When you pick them, give 'em a light rinse and eat 'em whole (except the stem bit). I'd advise against pre-washing very far in advance.... if they stay damp they seem to overripen faster - and even ferment! - especially if you've got them in a plastic bag.

A friend of mine posted this tasty-looking recipe in her blog: http://www.thefoodvoyager.com/#post9

I've had them lightly stewed and served over ice cream, sliced and served with cheeses, sliced onto salads.... made sort of jammy and served with fois gras ....