Are My Figs Ripe?

Most fig trees produce two crops per year. The first crop, called the breba crop, is produced during the spring on the previous year’s growth. It is usually of little worth to growers because it tends to be very acidic. The second crop, known as the main crop, is borne on new plant growth. The fruit of this crop peaks from July, in the south, or August, in the north, until the first frost of the winter. Figs mature while on the tree. Do not harvest figs until you are certain they are ripe. At the same time, avoid leaving over-ripe fruit on the tree because this will invite disease and pest infestation.

Ripe or not - Figs should feel soft, like a ripe peach. They will hang limply on branches and will have a visibly bent neck form. Ripe figs easily detach when raised from their drooping position on the tree. They will be whatever color is typical for the variety. Of course, figs come in a lot of colors, so this varies. In addition, figs stems exude a milky sap if they are picked before they are ripe. Consequently, if this substance is secreted, the fig is not ready for harvest.

References:
University of Florida IFAS Extension; The Fig; Peter C. Andersen, et al., March 1994
Purdue University; Fig; Julia F. Morton; 1987
Washington State University Extension; When to Pick Tree Fruit; George Pinyuh; May 1998
When Are Fig Trees Ready to Harvest? Ehow; Christine McLachlan