How to know if figs are spoiled? (3 easy ways)
Do you ever wonder whether the figs you bought at the supermarket are fresh? Fig trees are among the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world. In ancient times figs were considered sacred because they were believed to bring fertility to women. Fig trees are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. If you want to know if your figs are spoiled, here are three easy ways to check.
How to know if figs are spoiled?
Usually, dried figs do not get spoiled easily. If you see any kind of mold growth on the dried figs, this means that the figs are spoiled. If you are experiencing a stinky smell from the figs then this is also a vital sign that the figs are spoiled. If insects are eating the figs, it is better to toss them out. Also, if you see any kind of color changes in the figs, then this is also a sign that the figs are spoiled.
In regions where it is extensively produced, the fig is a significant crop. It is a Mediterranean and Asian native that has been pursued after and cultivated since ancient times and is today extensively planted across the world for both its fruits and as an aesthetic plant.
In 2018, the earth’s primary fig output was 1.14 million tonnes, with Turkey leading the way (with 27 percent of the total), Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria accounting for 64 percent of the total. Figs may be enjoyed fresh or dried, and they can also be used to make jam. The majority of commercial output is dried or treated in some way.
There are a few ways through which we can tell if the figs are spoiled or not. These methods are the same as those we conduct when checking if the food is spoiled or not.
Mold:
Inspect the figs and see whether there is any kind of mold growing inside or not. If you see some kind of mold growing inside the figs, then throw those figs away and consume the healthy ones. Usually, mold doesn’t grow on figs when their sugars are crystallized.
Smell:
If figs are smelling stinky then this means that they are spoiled. It is better not to consume such figs and throw them away. A distinct smell of figs means that they are no longer edible. So, our sense of smell tells us a lot about food spoilage.
Color:
If you observe some abnormal color changes, then this may look like the figs are spoiled. If you see any greyish color or see some spots on the figs then it might be because of fungus. If you observe such color changes then it is advised not to consume it at all.
Insects:
If you see insects eating the figs then it is better to leave those figs to the insects and not consume them at all. If you eat such figs then this can be dangerous for your health because if eat figs then there will be a greater risk of having an infection.
Shelf life:
If dried figs are properly stored in a dry and clean place, then they may be of their best quality after 12 to 18 months. So, after one and a half years, the nutritional value of the figs starts to deteriorate and hence they start to tend to lead to spoilage.
Nutritional content:
Raw figs are made up of 79 percent water, 19 percent carbs, 1% protein, and very little fat. They provide a significant amount of dietary fiber. Figs have only a carbohydrate composition of 64 percent, a total protein of 3%, and saturated fat of 1% when dried to 30% water. Dried figs are a good source of dietary fiber, with a 100-gram serving containing 249 calories.
Health effects:
If you consume rotten figs, you are likely to contract foodborne diseases. You could develop a stomach ache. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort, stomach cramps, diarrhea, and a variety of other symptoms are all possible causes. If the symptoms worsen, you must consult a doctor as soon as possible.
What does mold on dried figs look like?
If you notice any signs of mold on your dried figs, throw them out immediately. Moldy figs are very dangerous because they can spread bacteria throughout your pantry. To avoid getting sick, always wash your hands after handling these fruits.
Do dry figs spoil?
Dried figs are usually sweetened and sometimes coated with sugar. This coating helps prevent moisture loss during storage. However, if the figs are not stored properly, they can become moldy. Moldy figs have a foul odor and taste. It is important to store dried figs in airtight containers away from other items such as spices and herbs.
Do you ever wonder whether the figs you bought at the supermarket are fresh?
Fig trees are among the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world.
In ancient times figs were considered sacred because they were believed to bring fertility to women.
Fig trees are very sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.
If you want to know if your figs are spoiled, here are three easy ways to check.
Shelf life:
Figs are generally available from May to October. Figs are available year round but peak season is between June and August. If you buy figs from the grocery store, check the expiration date. Fresh figs should be firm and plump. If they feel soft or mushy, they are past their prime. You can tell if figs are ripe by gently pressing down on them. Fig skins should give slightly under pressure. If not, they are probably still unripe. Smell: Answer: Fig smells sweet and fruity. It should smell like nothing else. If it smells moldy or sour, it is past its prime. Look: Answer: Check the color of the skin. Greenish-yellow indicates ripeness. Brownish-black indicates spoilage.
How to know if figs are spoiled?
If the skin looks dry, wrinkled or cracked, it is past its peak. Texture: Answer: If you squeeze a fig, it should be soft and juicy. If it is hard and dry, it is past its expiry date. Storage: Answer: Store figs in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Refrigerate after opening.
Health effects:
Figs are rich in potassium, vitamin C, fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, protein, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, niacin, pantothenic acid, copper, selenium, calcium, iodine, and vitamins A, B6, E, K, and D.
Color:
Figs are yellowish green in color. Nutrition Facts: 100 g 3.5 oz of figs contains: Calories – 0 kcal Total Fat – 0 g Saturated Fat – 0 g Cholesterol – 0 mg Carbohydrates – 19 g Dietary Fiber – 4 g Protein – 0 g Vitamin A – 0 IU Vitamin C – 0 mg Calcium – 0 mg Iron – 0 mg Potassium – 571 mg Magnesium – 33 mg Manganese – 1 mg Phosphorus – 39 mg Riboflavin – 0.2 mg Thiamine – 0.1 mg Zinc – 1 mg Niacin – 0.4 mg Copper – 0.1 mg
Nutritional content:
Nutrition facts per 100g 3.5oz
Insects:
Insects are not only annoying but also harmful to our health. They carry diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, typhoid, cholera, dysentery, and many others. In addition, they can contaminate food items, making them unsafe to eat. Bugs: Answer: Bugs are very common in every part of the world. They are found everywhere from deserts to jungles. They are usually harmless to humans unless they bite us. However, they can cause serious problems if we get bitten by them. They can transmit diseases such as malaria, typhoid, dengue fever and many other deadly diseases.
Mold:
Molds are microscopic organisms that live in moist environments. They are mostly found in damp places such as bathrooms, basements, kitchens, garages, and laundry rooms. Molds produce spores that float around in the air and can enter our bodies through inhalation. Once inside our body, these spores germinate into mold colonies. These colonies can cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to molds. Termites:
How do you store dried figs?
Dried figs are very perishable fruits and should be stored in airtight containers. Once opened, they should be consumed within 2 weeks. Dried figs are available in different sizes and shapes. Choose the right sized container depending on how many figs you intend to store.
How long do dried figs last once opened?
Figs are very perishable fruits. It is recommended to buy them from a reputable grocery store. Store them in a cool place away from direct sunlight. Fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, grapes, plums, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines, mangoes, papaya, pineapple, kiwis, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and cranberries are examples of other fruits that can be stored longer.
How do you know if dried figs are bad?
Dried figs do not spoil easily. However, if stored improperly, they can become soft and lose their shape. How long can I store dried figs?
How can you tell if dried figs are bad?
Mold on dried figs looks like white spots on the surface of the fruit. This type of mold is not harmful but it could affect the taste of the dried figs. So, it is better to discard these types of dried figs immediately.
Are my dried figs mold?
Dried figs are usually sold in plastic bags or boxes. If you see any signs of mold on the surface of the dried figs, throw it away right away. It’s important to wash your hands after touching the dried figs.
What does mold on dried figs look like?
If you notice any signs of mold on your dried figs, throw them out immediately. Moldy figs are very dangerous because they can spread bacteria throughout your pantry. To avoid getting sick, always wash your hands after handling these fruits.
Do dry figs spoil?
Dried figs are usually sweetened and sometimes coated with sugar. This coating helps prevent moisture loss during storage. However, if the figs are not stored properly, they can become moldy. Moldy figs have a foul odor and taste. It is important to store dried figs in airtight containers away from other items such as spices and herbs.
