Dried figs are used in a multitude of cakes and bakes and they have a sticky texture that can become fudgy when cooked. While dried fruit does already keep for quite a long time, if you don’t think you will be using them up or want to keep them extra fresh then can you extend their life?
Can You Freeze Dried Figs?
Yes, you can freeze dried figs for up to 18 months. Even though they already have quite a long shelf life, freezing them is still an option if you want to preserve them even longer!
Do Do Dried Figs freeze well? Yes
Can you refreeze Dried Figs? No
How to Freeze Dried Figs
There are a few different ways to go about freezing figs – the method that works best for you will depend on how you plan to use the figs later on and whether you’ll be defrosting them all at once.
How to Freeze Chopped Dried Figs
If you have time to chop up the figs then this is the best method to use:
- Prepare the Figs
Chop your dried figs into small pieces using a sharp knife or a food processor. - Portion
Portion out your chopped dried figs into individual portions – it is best to have in mind what they will be used for so that you can measure it out ahead of time. - Bag or Contain
Place the portions into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and seal. Be sure to either squeeze out all the air or seal the container tightly. - Label
Write the contents and date of freezing on the bag so that you know exactly what is inside and the date it should be used. - Freeze
Place the ziplock bags or containers into the freezer, ideally laying the bags flat to make the best use of the space in your freezer.
How to Freeze Whole Dried Figs
This method works best if you don’t want to or don’t have the time to chop figs and if you only want to use a small number of figs at a time.
- Line a Tray
Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper. - Lay Out the Figs
Lay the dried figs out on the tray, making sure that they do not touch each other, otherwise they may clump together. - Flash Freeze
Place the tray into the freezer for approximately 3-4 hours until the figs are frozen. - Bag
Take the tray out of the freezer and remove the now frozen figs, placing them into a ziplock bag or container. - Refreeze
Place back into the freezer and keep for as long as needed.
You can also just freeze the dried figs as they are, though this will create one large lump of frozen figs. This method is only good if you are going to be using all the figs in one go.
2 Tips for Freezing Dried Figs
Now you know how to freeze them, we’ve got our 3 top tips which we strongly recommend following when freezing dried figs to have the best results:
Label Your Bags
When portioning out and labelling your bags of dried figs, you may also want to write on the recipe they are destined for. This will help you know how much is in each bag and what they are destined for!
Ensure It Is Airtight
You do not want any moist air getting into the container or bag. Make sure the seal on the ziplock bag or container is tight and you could even wrap the container in cling film just to be sure.
How Long Can You Freeze Dried Figs?
Dried figs will last between 12 and 18 months in the freezer provided that they have been stored correctly. Even after 18 months, the figs may still be good but the quality may have degraded somewhat.
You Can Freeze Dried Figs for up to 18 Months
How Do You Defrost Dried Figs?
Dried figs will take different amounts of time to defrost depending on how many there are and how they were frozen.
It is always best to remove the dried figs from the freezer and defrost them overnight in the fridge the day before you need them.
Alternatively, they can be defrosted for 2-3 hours on the countertop and then either moved to the fridge or added into a recipe immediately if you are pressed for time.
Can You Refreeze Dried Figs?
It is best not to refreeze dried figs as it will start to impact the quality and texture of the figs.
Planning what the figs will be used for ahead of time, and certainly portioning them out with recipes in mind will prevent you from needing to refreeze anything as they should all get used up!
Do Dried Figs Freeze Well?
Even though dried figs are already somewhat preserved, freezing them is still a good option! They store for such a long time, are easy to thaw and do not lose any of their texture or flavour.
If you end up with too many dried figs and don’t want them taking up space in the kitchen cupboards, portioning them out and freezing them could be your best option!
