Fresh figs

Fresh figs are rather new to me. I've been enjoying them in tarts for a few years, but it wasn't until last year that I actually bought and ate a whole one raw. It was a revelation, and made me wonder why it took so long to try them.

Perhaps it's because I grew up in Canada, where figs don't grow. I'd never even seen a fresh fig until I came to Japan, had no idea what they looked like. Although I occasionally encountered dried figs growing up, they were mostly in the form of Fig Newtons, which for some reason were never in the house. The only place I could eat them was at school, where I'd have to a trade for them. And since my mother so seldom packed cookies or other trade-able goodies, Fig Newtons were a rare treat. How I envied those kids whose parents regularly packed Fig Newtons in their lunches! The only kids I envied more were those who brought packets of Jell-O powder for dessert, dipping a spit-moistened finger in the package and pulling it out, dusted with a colourful coating of sweet, sweet powder. They'd then stick their finger in their mouth and suck all the sweet Jell-O goodness off, with an expression of pure bliss.

Now that I look back I can't help but think that sending ones kids off to school with a package of Jell-O is verging on child abuse, and I no longer resent my Mom for not doing so. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to forgive her for failing to supply me with Fig Newtons.

So I have many figless years to make up for, and now that I know that fresh ones are even better than dried, Japan seems to be the perfect place. Domestic figs are in season for a relatively long time in early autumn (thanks to Japan's long North-South configuration) and are no more expensive than any other fruit of the season. Not knowing what to do with them was what prevented me from buying them for so long, but last year so many food blogs featured fresh figs that I was inspired to try them. I just ate them all raw, not wanting to screw anything up. Baby steps.

This year I knew it was time to take it to the next level. I started simply:

Fresh figs roasted with Gorgonzola and pecans. No sauce, although I did drizzle a few with honey. These were lovely, although walnuts would have been nicer. Sadly my husband, a fan of neither figs nor Gorgonzola, had to leave the room while I ate.

Next I poached them whole in a sweetish Riesling, with honey, vanilla, lemon peel and cinnamon. After letting sit in the poaching juices for a day, this was just heavenly. And it was even better the next day, paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream:

For the sauce, I just removed the cinnamon, vanilla and lemon peel from the poaching juices and reduced it to a syrup. It turned a very pretty colour and was so delicious that I'll double the poaching liquid next time, just so I can make extra syrup.

Figs are still in the markets, so I think I'll have time to cook with figs once more this season. Any ideas?

Comments

[Lori]

Here's about ten thousand delicious-looking fig recipes!

http://creampuffsinvenice.ca/2007/09/28/shf-35-the-round-up/

[David]

Not a fan of gorgonzola? Don't let Hideaki watch Wallace & Gromit, then. I've seen fresh figs for sale in Canada, definitely imported. I think I've eaten one. They're good, but not something I'd want everyday. Maybe if I try one of your recipes, that'll change.

[Kat]

very inspiring! I need to try fresh figs also. Oh, and I also used to envy those kids with the jell-o packets.

[Kevin]

I recently discovered fresh figs and I have been enjoying them for the last few weeks. Your fig dishes look good.

[Tiny]

Now, you can find fresh figs at some supermarkets in Toronto. I fell in love with them the first time I tried.

Lately, I went to Dubai and the hotel provided a great selection of fresh fruit, definitely including fresh figs. Yummy!!!

I have never tried cooking with figs ... I will borrow some of ideas when I have returned home.

[Amy]

Lori, what a fantastic list! Thanks.

David and Tiny, good to know fresh figs are available in Canada! Maybe it's recent, or maybe I just never noticed before.

Kat, so it wasn't just at my school?

Kevin, thanks!

[Heather Meadows]

Mmm, figs. I had my first fresh figs earlier this year; a guy at work grows them in his yard! They were so good.

[ash]

Wow! your food looks so yummy! I'm sure it taste very good! Sadly, I'm one of those that can't remember if I have ever seen a fresh fig before! =D

[Amy]

Heather, how nice to have a coworker that passes out home-grown fruit!

Ash, if you do ever see a fresh fig, try it!