Are Fig Leaves Edible? Definitely! 10 Ways To Enjoy Them

It is common for individuals to consume leaves as part of their regular diet, including lettuce in salads, cooked spinach, cabbage, and collard greens.

If you’re lucky enough to have your own fig tree, you know delicious figs are, but what about the abundance of leaves that spring forth each growing season? Can you eat those too?

Fig leaves are edible and have a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They are commonly used as a wrap for cooking meat, fish, or rice dishes, but they can also be stuffed, baked, boiled, grilled, steamed, used as a spinach substitute or for tea, or made into a syrup for cocktails.

New foods are always fun to explore, so let’s dive into all the wonderful ways to utilize fig leaves and the health benefits they provide.

Caring for fig trees isn’t very hard, but those new to fig trees often have multiple questions about their care. Find the answers you need in my comprehensive article Common Fig Tree Questions.

Cooking With Fig Leaves

When used correctly, fig leaves can be an amazing addition to many recipes and can even be the star of some dishes.

What Do Fig Leaves Taste Like?

Fig leaves have a mild, slightly sweet flavor with subtle earthy notes. Some people describe their taste as reminiscent of coconut or green tea.

The taste of fig leaves can vary depending on their maturity and the way they are prepared, but overall, they offer a pleasant and delicate flavor that complements a variety of dishes.

How To Use Fig Leaves

Experiment with a few of the ideas provided below, and then come up with your own ways to incorporate fig leaves into meals and drinks.

1. Fig Leaf Syrup

To make fig leaf syrup, fresh fig leaves are steeped in a simple syrup solution of sugar and water. The mixture is then strained, and the resulting syrup is bottled and stored.

Fig leaf syrup can be used in a variety of ways, such as a sweetener for beverages, poured over pancakes or waffles, or drizzled over desserts like ice cream or cake.

It can also be used as a flavoring agent in cocktails or added to marinades and dressings for a unique twist.

2. Grilling With Fig Leaves

Grilling with fig leaves involves using fresh fig leaves as a wrap for your food, which infuses it with a delicate, sweet flavor.

To do this, first, select fresh, pliable fig leaves, and soak them in water for a few minutes.

Then, wrap the food, such as fish (this recipe is a winner!), chicken, or vegetables, in the leaves, securing them with kitchen twine if needed.

Grill the wrapped food over medium heat until cooked through, removing the leaves before serving.

3. Boiled Fig Leaves

Boiled fig leaves can be utilized in various ways. One popular way is to use them to make a tea infusion. Simply boil the leaves in water for 10-15 minutes, strain the liquid, and sweeten with honey or sugar to taste.

Fig leaf tea has a delicate and slightly sweet flavor and is believed to have some health benefits, including aiding digestion and regulating blood sugar.

You can also add fig leaves to simmering pots of soup or stew to add more nutrients, a subtle flavor, and an interesting texture.

Interestingly, boiled fig leaves can also be used as a poultice for skin irritation or as a natural dye for fabric or yarn.

4. Steamed Fig Leaves

Steaming fig leaves involves placing fresh fig leaves in a steamer basket over boiling water and steaming them for a few minutes until tender just as you would with spinach.

They can be enjoyed as is with a touch of salt and pepper or used as a wrap for cooking food such as fish (as demonstrated here), chicken, or rice dishes.

They can also be used as a bed for steaming vegetables, imparting a delicate flavor to the veggies.

Another way to use steamed fig leaves is to chop them finely and add them to salads, stir-fries, or pasta dishes for a unique twist.

5. Baked or Roasted Fig Leaves

When baking or roasting with fig leaves, the leaves are typically used as a wrap or layer to infuse the dish with a sweet and slightly herbaceous flavor.

To do this, select fresh and pliable fig leaves, and use them to wrap or line the baking dish.

For example, wrap fish, chicken, or meat in fig leaves before roasting in the oven, or use the leaves to line a baking dish before roasting vegetables or fruits.

The leaves should be removed before serving, but they will have imparted a unique, sophisticated flavor to the dish.

6. As a Wrap

To use fig leaves as a wrap, first, select fresh and pliable leaves, and rinse them under cold water.

Then, place the food in the center of the leaf, and fold the edges over, securing them with kitchen twine if needed.

The wrapped food can then be grilled, roasted, or steamed. Remove the fig leaves before serving.

Using fig leaves as a wrap is a popular cooking technique in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine and can even impart a wonderfully delicate flavor to cheeses.

7. As a Spinach Substitute

To use fig leaves in place of spinach, first, select fresh and tender fig leaves, and remove the stem.

Then, chop or tear the leaves into small pieces, and use them in recipes that call for spinach, such as quiches, dips, or soups.

The taste and texture of fig leaves are similar to spinach but with a slightly sweeter and more delicate flavor.

Fig leaves are also rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals, making them a healthy and tasty alternative to spinach.

8. Stuffed Fig Leaves

Stuffed fig leaves are a traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dish that involves filling fig leaves with a mixture of rice, herbs, spices, and sometimes meat and then steaming or baking them.

Some recipe ideas for stuffed fig leaves include vegetarian versions with a rice and herb stuffing or meat-filled versions with lamb, beef, or even venison.

Stuffed fig leaves can also be made with a tomato-based sauce for added flavor or served with a yogurt or tahini sauce for a refreshing and tangy twist.

Basically, any recipe for stuffed grape leaves can be used, so experiment!

9. Fig Leaf Tea

To make fig leaf tea, simply bring water to a boil, add a handful of fresh fig leaves, reduce the heat, and let the leaves simmer for 10-15 minutes. Strain the liquid, and add honey or sugar to taste.

For additional flavor, you can add other herbs or spices, such as mint, cinnamon, or ginger, while the leaves are simmering.

Fig leaf tea can also be enjoyed cold over ice with a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing summer drink.

Try mixing the tea with other fruit juices or infusions, such as apple, peach, or pomegranate, for a more complex and fruity flavor.

10. Fig Leaf Ice Cream

Fig leaf ice cream is a perfect summer dessert that showcases the natural flavors and aromas of fig leaves.

Fig leaf ice cream is made by infusing fig leaves in hot cream and milk and then using the infused mixture to make a custard base.

The custard base is then churned in an ice cream maker and frozen until it reaches a creamy and smooth texture.

The ice cream has a delicate and unique flavor with notes of sweetness and a slight touch of coconut from the fig leaves.

Some recipes also include other ingredients, such as vanilla, honey, or chopped figs, to enhance the flavor and texture of the ice cream.

Fig Leaves Benefits

Fig leaves are a rich source of antioxidants and contain compounds that may help to regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, making them potentially useful for managing diabetes.

Additionally, fig leaves have anti-inflammatory properties and are a good source of fiber.

How To Preserve Fig Leaves

Preserving fig leaves can be done in several ways.

• Drying: Fresh leaves are washed and dried in the sun or a dehydrator until crispy. Once dried, they can be stored in an airtight container for later use.
• Freezing: Blanch the leaves, dip them in ice water, let them drain, and bag them before storing them in the freezer for up to six months.
• Syrup: Simmer fresh fig leaves in a mixture of water and sugar until the sugar dissolves and the liquid thickens. The syrup can then be bottled and stored in the refrigerator for up to a month.

Closing Thoughts

In conclusion, fig leaves are a versatile, healthy ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways from cooking and baking to tea and ice cream.

They offer several potential health benefits and can be preserved for later use by drying, freezing, or making syrup.

Whether you are looking for a new spinach substitute or a unique flavor in your dishes, fig leaves are a great addition to any kitchen.

With their delicate flavor and potential health benefits, fig leaves are definitely worth exploring in your culinary adventures.

Excited about caring for your fig trees and reaping all the delicious rewards? Keep learning by reading these articles next:

• When Do Fig Trees Produce Fruit? Age, Harvest Season & More
• 25 Best Companion Plants for Figs & Why They’re Ideal