Dried figs are a nutritious and popular food as they can be stored for longer than fresh figs and they are easier to eat. However, it’s important to know how to store dried figs correctly to make them last a long time and preserve their taste and quality.
It only takes a few simple steps to store this food, which is a delight to eat at any time of year. Moreover, there are certain types of packaging that are ideal for storing dried figs properly and protecting them from external agents.
Tips on how to store dried figs
Dried figs are rich in nutrients like fiber, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids. During the drying process, they can also be combined with other ingredients, like almonds or sugar, to give them a more unique and original flavor.
Fresh figs can be dried in the sun or in the oven to remove their moisture and make them less perishable. Dried figs are easier to store because they take up less space and you can take them out with you for a quick snack.
Dried figs can be stored in a larder for a few months and it is not necessary to keep them in a refrigerated environment. It is best to put them in a glass jar for optimal storage for around 7 to 8 months, but once the container is opened, they should be consumed within a week.
Alternatively, it’s possible to store dried figs in a vacuum bag for up to 12 months and you can split them up into smaller portions ready to eat. In any case, it’s important to keep dried figs in a cool place away from moisture to ensure optimal storage for 6 to 12 months.
How to store frozen figs
When buying dried figs, it’s good to know how to store them in a refrigerated place too. They can be stored in a refrigerator for up to 1 year without their organoleptic properties changing. Simply put them in a food bag or a container with a hermetic seal.
In a freezer, they can be kept for up to 18 months from drying, using a bag or sanitized container. You can also freeze fresh figs for around 4 to 6 months, leaving them whole and washing them well before putting them in the freezer.
Dried fig packaging
There are various packaging solutions for dried figs that offer optimal storage, including automatic and manual methods. With dried fruit packaging, it’s important to ensure it has an adequate barrier effect, protecting the contents from light, humidity and – if the product is vacuum-packed or in protective atmosphere packaging – from oxygen too.
In this case, it’s possible to use packaging made from various materials, including PET, PP, OPA or PE with or without EVOH, to choose a flexible solution either seal or peel structures or skin packs, an ideal technology for vacuum packaging. They are available in different formats and sizes, including trays, pouches or rolls of rigid film.
Volmar Packaging offers high-quality solutions for packaging dried figs and all dried fruits, with a wide range of cutting-edge products and flexible, resistant and customizable packaging that provides excellent storage and enhances the product.