As l watch the figs turning bruisey purple, I often feel like that six year old, the one who’s waited with mounting excitement for a parent free moment to gleefully squeeze the presents under the Christmas tree. A pinch and a squeeze here - no not yet - oooooo that waiting. And then all of a sudden the wasps are at them! The ‘foot stamping’ horror!
The pure joy of our own warm, ripe figs is such an annual treat. Who can’t smile at that? Then, there’s the forehead puckering moment of realisation that ‘that’s it folks’ for this year and what on earth am l going to try and do with all those green figs. Save us from another green fig chutney recipe! And so you did, another opportunity to use our local honey - pure alchemy! Thanks Will (or should l say Dimitra) 😉
Amazing recipe and great read Will! Now I’m off to pick my green figs which have always been left on the tree. Thank you again for a marvellous recipe.
Absolutely obsessed with your writing. I love the deep descriptions of Greece, the culture and food. Incredible storytelling that always leaves me hungry and wanting more.
Bloody love this. Reminds me of a little coffee room I was introduced to on Lefkada, run by a 90+ year old lady who's been welcoming guests there for most of her life.
I have An Italian honey fig that always has one almost overwhelmingly abundant crop and then a second discouraging "green" one. What a fun and applicable post for me to read this morning! Love your conversational writing style! I look forward to the "That Time I Told an Old Woman to Fuck Off" post.😅
Regarding the old lady, I was on my way to St Paul’s cathedral for some quiet time, so it kinda stamped on my day. I’m not sure who was more shocked, me, her or the line of people behind us...
Loved your post! I really enjoy your writing style. I am especially interested in all methods of preservation as I am only just learning how to try it.
Do you think this could work with ripe green figs? We have them here in Portugal (I've not seen unripe, I guess the advantages of living in a warmer climate) and I'd love to try this with them.
It reminded me of my wonderful perfect grandfather - he just loved figs in any form. I remember asking him what he was eating and he said figs with honey. I will try your version here and share it with my family in his honour.
As l watch the figs turning bruisey purple, I often feel like that six year old, the one who’s waited with mounting excitement for a parent free moment to gleefully squeeze the presents under the Christmas tree. A pinch and a squeeze here - no not yet - oooooo that waiting. And then all of a sudden the wasps are at them! The ‘foot stamping’ horror!
The pure joy of our own warm, ripe figs is such an annual treat. Who can’t smile at that? Then, there’s the forehead puckering moment of realisation that ‘that’s it folks’ for this year and what on earth am l going to try and do with all those green figs. Save us from another green fig chutney recipe! And so you did, another opportunity to use our local honey - pure alchemy! Thanks Will (or should l say Dimitra) 😉
Happy to have saved you from the chutney. Thank you.
Amazing recipe and great read Will! Now I’m off to pick my green figs which have always been left on the tree. Thank you again for a marvellous recipe.
You’ll love these Anca.
Absolutely obsessed with your writing. I love the deep descriptions of Greece, the culture and food. Incredible storytelling that always leaves me hungry and wanting more.
Natalie, thank you for your support. I’m so glad that the words resonate with you.
Saving this for when I have fruit on my trees again!
I ate two of my preserved ones today ... so good...patience for next year.
Bloody love this. Reminds me of a little coffee room I was introduced to on Lefkada, run by a 90+ year old lady who's been welcoming guests there for most of her life.
I’d love to visit that little place.
It's very special. Village of Chortata.
I love figs so much, I wrote this poem about it. https://open.substack.com/pub/adiaryleftopen/p/figs?r=18458p&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Figs are truly a magical thing.
Love the story as always Will and the recipe sounds delicious. Thank you
Thank you.
I have An Italian honey fig that always has one almost overwhelmingly abundant crop and then a second discouraging "green" one. What a fun and applicable post for me to read this morning! Love your conversational writing style! I look forward to the "That Time I Told an Old Woman to Fuck Off" post.😅
Glad you enjoyed it.
Regarding the old lady, I was on my way to St Paul’s cathedral for some quiet time, so it kinda stamped on my day. I’m not sure who was more shocked, me, her or the line of people behind us...
Well, it made me smile because I know that feeling of someone getting on your last nerve...even if it is an old lady!😅
Loved your post! I really enjoy your writing style. I am especially interested in all methods of preservation as I am only just learning how to try it.
Thank you for your kind words.
Do you think this could work with ripe green figs? We have them here in Portugal (I've not seen unripe, I guess the advantages of living in a warmer climate) and I'd love to try this with them.
Yes it would, though emit the initial soak overnight and the bi carb.
They’ll cook differently as well so just watch before they collapse. I’d try it. They’ll be delicious as a relish if they collapse.
That was my guess too. Right, I'm off to the market this afternoon! I'll report back
Also, off topic but thank you so much for the recommending The Capsule Pantry, it made my day yesterday
You’re very welcome.
Great tips in the recipe...one that is definitely finding its way to my 'must make' list...
They’re very good.
Lovely storytelling style and delicious ideas. New reader here, glad to have found your writing!
Thank you for reading. Glad you enjoyed the words.
A wonderful story Will, now where can I find some green figs around here.
It seems that anything smaller than a golf ball should be removed according to our gardener, to ensure a bumper crop next year.
Now I just need to convince a local fig farmer of this practice.
Loved this.
It reminded me of my wonderful perfect grandfather - he just loved figs in any form. I remember asking him what he was eating and he said figs with honey. I will try your version here and share it with my family in his honour.
Thank you for such a joyous read.
How wonderful. I hope your family enjoy them. I make them once a year and eat them with hard, sharp cheese.
I shall save this recipe in my email substack folder called 'excellent recipes' - thank you
Your description of Dimitra, her farm and husband has the makings of a fine microessay...