Figs are fully ripe when they are soft and start to droop on their stems. They are ready for harvest when they can be removed from the tree easily if lifted and bent back toward the branch. Figs that are grown for drying are allowed to ripen fully then partially dry on the tree. As they begin to fall off, they may be harvested and dried completely on drying trays. Pick the fallen fruit up quickly, within a day or two, to avoid insect and disease problems. Fresh figs or figs for canning are harvested as soon as they become fully colored but still firm. If milky latex sap exudes from the cut stem end, the fruit is not fully ripe.
Figs can be stored in cool temperatures.
