Fig Basics With delicate skin, floral sweetness, and luscious texture, fresh figs are worlds away from dried. Varieties include purple-black Mission and pale-green Calimyrna. In Season: Fresh figs appear from June to early fall. What to Look For: Figs soften if left at room temperature, but they will not sweeten, so seek out ripe ones; they'll feel plump, tender, and heavy for their size, and smell like honey at the stem. Any sign of a stickiness indicates overripeness. How to Stor...

blackberry ice cream

Lentil Salad

Pumpkin cupcakes with cinnamon cream cheese frosting.

Fig Basics With delicate skin, floral sweetness, and luscious texture, fresh figs are worlds away from dried. Varieties include purple-black Mission and pale-green Calimyrna. In Season: Fresh figs appear from June to early fall. What to Look For: Figs soften if left at room temperature, but they will not sweeten, so seek out ripe ones; they'll feel plump, tender, and heavy for their size, and smell like honey at the stem. Any sign of a stickiness indicates overripeness. How to Stor...