Fresh figs come into season for a short spell at the beginning of summer and then for a longer period towards the end. Both times seem all too fleeting for those who like to indulge in this succulent delicate fruit. Well, fret no more over the short fig season! Fermentation is the magic method to preserve your fig harvest and preserve them for weeks to come. Read on for the fermentation recipe AND a cocktail recipe using the fermented juice. Cheers!
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons sea salt
3-1/2 cups filtered water
8 - 10 (approx) whole figs (firm); you can use any variety or a mix
1/2 small red onion, or a small shallot, thinly sliced
5 - 6 cardamom pods, lightly crushed
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 Tablespoon green tea leaves (organic if possible)
1. Bring the water to a boil and pour into a bowl. Dissolve sea salt in water and allow the mixture to cool completely.
2. Place the sliced onions, cardamom, tea leaves and cinnamon stick into a quart size, wide-mouth mason jar.
3. Carefully fit the figs into the jar. You need enough to reach the shoulder of the jar.
4. Place the press of Kraut Source into the jar. DO NOT use the spring as you normally would with other recipes, because figs are delicate, and the downward force from the spring may crush the fruits. Secure the moat and mason ring on as usual. Fill the moat, place the cap on.
5. Allow to ferment for 5 - 6 days, then remove the Kraut Source parts. Place the standard mason lid and ring on and store in fridge for another 2 - 3 days before tasting.
Fermented figs will last for 3 - 4 weeks. They pair beautifully with grilled chicken, prosciutto, or a peanut butter sandwich (really!).
The fermented fig juice is sublime, and quite extraordinary when added to a cocktail.
Fabulous Fermented Figs Cocktail
3 - 4 cubes of ice
1 ounce fermented fig juice (from recipe above)
2-1/2 ounces dark rum
1 Tablespoon maple syrup
1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice
1/2 fermented fig (from above recipe)
1 cinnamon stick, as garnish
Place the ice cubes, fermented fig juice, rum, maple syrup, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker and shake 30x.
Pour into a rock glass with ice and garnish with the fermented fig and cinnamon stick.
Ease into your favorite chair and sip slowly.
Want to know more about figs? Migrate over to my blog page.
Salut!
Karen
