Fig Leaves have a surprisingly unique flavor that makes the most delicious Fig Leaf Syrup! This syrup can be used for cocktails, soda, tea, and more!
The inspiration for this Fig Leaf Syrup came from a visit to a local pizza parlor that is sadly no longer in business. Along with delicious pizza on the menu, there was a Fig Leaf Soda.
It sounded so interesting and unique that I knew I had to try it. Once I took the first sip I was hooked and immediately knew I wanted to make this concoction at home.
Are Fig Leaves Edible?
Yes, fig leaves are edible and generally used for steaming, baking, or grilling. Dried fig leaves can be boiled for making tea.
They make a great wrap for steamed fish or rice and vegetables and can also be added to stews or soups as a spinach alternative. The fig leaf sap (the milky white substance in the stems when cut) can be an irritant so make sure you wash the leaves thoroughly, remove the stem, and wash your hands.
What do Fig Leaves Taste Like?
The flavor you get from fig leaves can be described as vanilla, coconut, and a slightly nutty flavor. You won't get any flavor like the fig fruit, however, the result of this fig syrup is unique and quite tasty.
Make sure you use bright green, healthy leaves. The older leaves on a tree become too fibrous and bland and will not get the same flavor results.
Are Fig Leaves Good for you?
Fig leaves have vitamins A, B1, and B2. They also contain potassium, sodium, manganese, calcium, iron, and phosphorus.
It has been said that there are health benefits from consuming fig leaves and drinking fig leaf tea, but of course, consult a professional if you want specifics.
How to Make Fig Leaf Syrup
- Place the water, sugar, and fig leaves in a medium saucepan over med-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool and steep for about an hour. Remove the leaves and place the syrup in a sealable bottle or container. Store in the fridge, the syrup will last for up to two weeks.
Can You Freeze Fig Leaves?
Yes, you can freeze fig leaves. They need to be blanched first so that they retain their shape and flavor.
Layer them with wax paper or parchment paper in between each leaf and lay them flat in the freezer in a freezer-safe sealable bag or container. They will stay good in the freezer for up to 6 months.
What to Use this Fig Leaf Syrup For
- You can use this syrup in cocktails like my Fig Leaf Cocktail (shown below).
- Add this syrup to iced tea as a sweetener and for a flavor boost.
- Add to sparkling water for a delicious and sweet soda.
- Pour in your morning coffee for a special treat.
More Homemade Syrup Recipes to Check Out
- Peach Syrup
- Blueberry Lavender Syrup
- Rhubarb Simple Syrup
- Lilac Simple Syrup
- Candy Cane Syrup
- Lavender Simple Syrup
Fig Leaf Syrup
Equipment
- sealable bottle or container
Ingredients
- 3-4 fresh fig leafs
- 2 cups water
- 1½ cup sugar
Instructions
- Place the water, sugar, and fig leaves in a medium saucepan over med-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and boil for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and allow the mixture to cool and steep for about an hour. Remove the leaves and place the syrup in a sealable bottle or container. Store in the fridge, the syrup will last for up to two weeks.
Nutrition
Any nutrition calculations are only estimates using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
Did you Make This Fig Leaf Syrup Recipe?
If you make this syrup, don't forget to leave a comment below. You can also tag me on Instagram or Facebook and show me what you made with it.
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Maggy says
Hi Emily
is there anything I can make or do with my imature figs that have not ripened due to poor weather
Emily says
Hi Maggie, unfortunately, there is not much you can do. If the weather is still nice, you can leave only the figs closest to the trunk to send all of the tree's energy to them and hope they ripen before the weather gets too cold.
Jules says
Excellent recipe, just sitting in my garden with a G&T with your Fig Leaf Syrup, which I made this morning. Absolutely delicious
, thank you !!
Emily says
Oh lovely! That’s my favorite way to enjoy it too. Cheers!
Umm shaakir says
HI EMILY,
I TRIED THIS RECIPE BUT I FORGOT AND OVERBOILED THE FIGS, LIKE 10MINUTES, AND IT STARTED TO TASTE A LITTLE BITTER, I'M NOT SO SURE IF. IT WAS BECAUSE OF THE. LEAVES AS I DID MAKE A LARGER AMOUNT MAYBE OF 4 LITRES OF WATER, WITH 13 LARGE FIG LEAVES AND SUGAR TO TASTE. BUT BEFOREHAND IT HAD A SUBTLE FRAGRANT FIG ECHOING THROUGH THE SUGAR SYRUP.
IS IT WORTH ME TRYING IT AGAIN OR WAS IT MEANT TO HAVE A SLIGHT BITTERNESS.
THANKS
Emily says
Hi! I would suggest trying again but start small and watch the syrup closely. You only need to cook the syrup for a few minutes. No, there should not be a bitter taste. It should be a vanilla-coconutty aroma and taste. I would also suggest using newer, smaller leaves, they will release more flavor. Good luck and thanks for trying the recipe!
Nicola says
SO simple and absolutely delicious.
Emily says
I'm so glad you think so! Thanks for trying the recipe and leaving a review!😁
Bianca says
I have never heard of fig leaf syrup before but now I want to try!
Emily says
I hope you do! It's so unique and delicious.
Gina Abernathy says
I just learned something new today. I have a fig tree right next to my house and I enjoy picking figs and eating them right off the tree. But.... I did not know I could make fig leaf syrup. Amazing! I will have to try this next year when the tree is in full bloom.
Emily says
Yes! How wonderful to have a fig tree right next door to give you figs and now fig leaves. I hope you give it a try!
Sam says
Wow, this is so unique! It looks wonderful! I can’t wait to make this.
Emily says
Thanks, Sam. I hope you love it!
Andrea White says
Love how simple this recipe is! Can't wait to use this next week!
Emily says
I know you are going to love it! Thanks for checking it out.😊
Eliza says
What a great recipe. The color of the syrup is lovely and I had no idea you could cook with fig leaves. Thanks for another winner from Emily Fabulous!
Emily says
Thanks, Eliza!
Sue says
I love the idea of adding this to sparkling water to make my own "soda" - YUM!
Emily says
It's such a fun and unique treat. Enjoy!