If you were busy mourning the end of cherry season, this might cheer you up: now is the perfect time of year for figs.

Part of the same family as mulberries, figs arguably have it all: they’re sweet, have an interesting texture with somewhat crunchy seeds, and you don’t have to faff around peeling them as the skin is edible. Not to mention the health benefits; figs are loaded with potassium, antioxidants and fibre.

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They’re naturally sweet, but not everyone knows what to do with the fresh fruit – dried varieties are often more common.

6 ways to eat figs

If your experiences with figs have been limited to a salad, or with a cheeseboard, it could be time to mix things up…

1. On pizza

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Have you ever tried figs on pizza? 🍕 I have been keeping balls of pizza dough in the freezer so that I can whip one of these babies out in under 30 mins! To have one of the best pizzas you have ever tried… spread tomato sauce across the dough and bake until the dough is just cooked. Then add prosciutto (optional), sliced figs and chunks of goat cheese on top and bake until the desired done-ness. Lastly, sprinkle arugula on top and ENJOY!👩🏽‍🍳 #pizzalover #pizzarecipe #pizzarecipes #homemadepizzadough #homemadepizza #homemadepizzanight #pizzadatenight #figpizza #figrecipes #summermeals #prosciuttoandarugulapizza #prosciuttoandfig #prosciuttopizza #goatcheeseandhoney #goatcheeseandfig #fruitonpizza #pizzaislove #datenightrecipes #easyrecipe #under30minutes #healthypizza #healthypizzarecipe #bakingpizza #makingpizzas #quarantinerecipes #inmykitchentoday #pizzaforbreakfast #pizzafordinner #eatyourcolours #eatyourvegchallenge

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Figs make a fancy alternative to your standard pepperoni. They pair perfectly with many types of cheese, from gorgonzola to goat’s, so layer your figs with your pick of dairy, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to bring out the flavour, and some rocket for freshness. A quick blast in the oven will leave the figs jammy and oozy.

2. With grilled cheese

We weren’t joking when we said figs go well with cheese – so why not jazz up your favourite sharp Cheddar toastie with the addition of fruit? With thick sourdough bread and melty cheese, figs bring some sweetness.

3. Stuffed

Figs stuffed with ricotta cheese, walnut and honey served on green marble surface
(iStock/PA)

Stuffed figs can make the most mind-blowing appetisers, with minimal fuss. Open up the figs by cutting an X halfway down the fruit, stuff with cubes of blue cheese (yes, more cheese) and bake in the oven until jammy and delicious. Serve with walnuts and a drizzle of honey to really impress your guests – or just yourself.

4. Poached

Poaching fruit is a brilliant way to help it soak up lots of flavour. Poached pears are a classic, but you can use the same technique on figs. Slowly cook the fruit in a sugar, wine and water mixture, with plenty of spices, until soft and juicy, and serve with ice cream.

5. Pickled

Pickling figs is surprisingly quick and easy. Make a pickling mixture by heating together sugar, vinegar, salt and water in a pan, add whatever spices you want – maybe star anise, cinnamon or bay leaves – and pour over fresh figs in a sterilised jar. They’ll be ready to eat the next day, but you can store in the fridge and wait a week or so for the flavours to develop.

6. In a cocktail

This is cheating slightly because you can’t eat a cocktail, but we couldn’t leave out the deliciousness of fig-based drinks. The options are endless – this recipe pairs the fruit with elderflower liqueur and prosecco, or you could try this one featuring figs, ginger ale and vodka.

Try Honey & Co’s sweet savoury fig and feta pide.

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