How to Ship Fresh Figs

There’s nothing quite as special as receiving exotic fruits such as figs. While they also taste great when eaten fresh, figs are commonly available in the dried or processed form (jams and chutneys) because they do not keep long. Ripe figs do not transport well, and once picked from the tree, do not keep well.

Apart from being eaten right out of hand, fresh figs are very versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes both savory and sweet. However, they are not usually available commercially since they are difficult to transport and can go bad easily.

This is why a package of fresh figs is always appreciated. To keep these fragile fruits fresh and intact, proper packing precautions must be observed when shipping them. Here are some tips on how to properly pack and ship fresh figs to ensure that they survive the harsh shipping environment and arrive in their most delicious state.

Only ship fresh figs that are a little under-ripe as they are sturdier and more likely to survive the trip. This will also give them time to ripen while in transit and arrive in their best form. Also, remove overripe figs from the batch as they can affect the good ones.

Clean each fig with a damp cloth and then dry completely before packing. Moisture can promote bacterial growth that leads to rotting.

Wrap each fig in paper towels and pack in egg cartons. Fill any spaces with shredded paper to ensure that the figs are snug and do not move inside in the egg carton. Use tape or rubber bands to prevent the carton from opening. Do not use plastic materials such as bags and bubble wrap when packing fresh figs as condensation can lead to a buildup of moisture.

Place the packed figs in a slightly larger shipping box with a layer of crumpled paper at the bottom.  Fill the remaining spaces with more packing materials to stabilize the egg carton and keep it in the center of the shipping box. The package should not move when the box is closed and shaken.

Seal the box with packaging tape. Address and label the package. Take the package to a shipping company or post office and pick the quickest shipping option possible. Also, alert the recipient of the incoming package to be sure that someone can receive it from the delivery personnel. Avoid shipping fresh fruits or other highly perishable items close to weekends or holidays.