Fig

For me fig is an autumn fruit, to see figs on the old fig trees ripening up now, a month earlier than normal means autumn has quietly arrived.

I pick as they ripen everyday, at the same time birds, wasps and fruit flies are feasting on them too.

Fig, blackberry nut compote

Fig, blackberry nut compote

1. Cut figs into halves, place in a baking dish, with blackberry or apple, something sour to balance the sweetness. Sprinkle a big pinch of salt, all spice, black pepper, chili as you like.

2. Bake at 220˚C for 15 minutes and let it rest inside until cool down.

3. Sprinkle a handful of chop up mixed roasted nuts on top.

Dried figs

Another way to preserve figs is to dry them, I use an electric fruit drier.  Dried figs can be used in soup, in meat stew to add a touch of sweetness, or poach in sherry as a warm dessert in winter.