How Long Do Figs Last?

The shelf life of fresh figs is not that long because they are ripe when picked and do not further ripen once picked. And, like most fresh fruit there is usually no sell by date, use by date or best before date attached anywhere to figs. For eat by date purposes, we must use the date the figs were purchased. Figs are eaten in their entirety, except for the stem.

There are many different varieties of figs and their colors differ. The most common US figs are the Brown Turkey (a brownish purple skin with pinkish white flesh) and the Celeste (purplish skin with purple flesh). Other varieties include ones that have a golden (Calimyrna), black (Mission) or even green (Kadota) skin. Knowing the variety of your fig will help determine if it is ripe and edible. Choose figs that are soft, but not squishy.

So, how long do figs last? When properly stored, the shelf life of figs beyond the purchase date is approximately...

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Figs Expiration Date

Counter Refrigerator Freezer
Fresh Figs last for 2-5 Days 5-7 Days 6-8 Months

Of course, all foods last for a shorter period of time if they are not stored properly.

How to tell if Figs are bad, rotten or spoiled?

Practicing proper hygiene and food safety techniques will help prevent foodborne illness.

To tell if figs are bad, the best test is the aroma. An old or overripe fig will have a sour fermented smell. Placing figs near other fruits and vegetables will cause the others to deteriorate more rapidly because figs, like several other fruits, produce ethylene gas. So, store them in a separate crisper drawer from your veggies or in the back of the fridge.

You may also notice a white powder on the surface of the fig, this is probably the natural sugars coming to the surface - but you have to be cautious of mold development on moist surfaces so if you can't tell the difference between sugar and mold, you should not consume the fig.

There are, of course, certain health risks associated with spoiled foods so always remember to practice food safety and enjoy your foods before their shelf life has expired!

How to store Figs to extend their shelf life?

Since figs should be ripe when purchased, they should be placed in the refrigerator or another cool place for longest storage. They can also be kept on the counter at room temperature. Figs should be stored in a single layer (not on top of one another) and can be covered with a damp paper towel for added protection. Always rinse your figs just before consuming.

Some benefits of proper food storage include eating healthier, cutting food costs and helping the environment by avoiding waste.

How long are Figs good for when prepared in a dish?

How long do figs last? That depends. How long does peanut butter last? In general, fresh fruit is usually one of the quickest expiring ingredients in any dish.

What are our shelf life resources?

In determining how long Figs lasts, our content incorporates research from multiple resources, including the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Food & Drug Administration. In addition, we scoured the web for informative articles and reports related to food safety, food storage and the shelf life of Figs.

*An important note about expiration dates...

Although the Figs shelf life information on Eat By Date is generally reliable, please remember that individual cases will vary and that our advice should only be taken as an opinion and not a replacement for your health care professional. Please eat responsibly!

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With oven-safe glass and water-tight lids, these food storage containers are ready for action! Not a Prime Member? Try a 30-day free trial today!

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