How to Cut and Serve Figs Beautifully: With or Without Mascarpone Cheese
Figs are widely used in both cooking and desserts. Interestingly, some believe that the forbidden fruit eaten by Adam and Eve in the Old Testament was actually a fig. While dried figs are available year-round at supermarkets, many people may have never tried them fresh. So, we asked fruit cutting designer Sawako Nashimizu to show us a stylish way to cut fresh figs that you can easily try at home!
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【Advised by】Fruit Cutting Class Fruity Table
Table of Contents
Cut off the stem
This time, we’re trying a fig presentation with mascarpone cheese! First, cut off the stem. A white liquid may ooze from the cut—this is called “ficin,” a protein-degrading enzyme. It helps prevent bacteria and microbes from entering, so don’t worry, it’s completely natural.
Quarter the fig
After cutting off the stem, slice the fig into four sections. Be careful not to cut all the way through to the bottom.
This is what the cross-cut looks like. And just like that, your fig “bowl” is complete!
Stuff with mascarpone
Use a spoon to place mascarpone cheese between the cuts. Adjust the shape gently as you go.
Drizzle balsamic sauce onto the serving plate. This time, we created a swirl pattern.
Place the fig in the center of the plate and garnish with blueberries and mint. Done! It looks instantly elegant. Be sure to enjoy the fig along with the cheese and sauce when you eat it.
If you don’t have mascarpone, cream cheese works as a substitute. Now, here’s another way to enjoy figs that focuses more on their natural flavor.
No cheese? Try wedge-cutting
As mentioned earlier, start by cutting off the stem. This time, cut the fig in half vertically. Isn’t that iconic fig look just adorable?
By the way, the red part we eat is actually the “flower.” Surprising, right? The Japanese name for fig is “無花果” (literally “fruit without flower”), because the flower blooms inside the fruit where it can’t be seen. That’s how the name came to be.
Cut each half into four wedges. If you end up with eight pieces in total, you’re good to go.
Peel the skin
Now, use a knife to peel the skin. If the fig is ripe, the skin is edible, but for a cute presentation, we’re peeling the top two-thirds and leaving the bottom third intact. You can pre-score the skin like in the photo to use as a guide.
Peel along the cut lines with a knife. If the fig is very soft from ripening, it’s easier to peel by hand.
Arrange like a dessert
Once peeled, arrange on a plate and you’re done! Garnish with mint or blueberries to create a flower-like appearance. Enjoy the fig’s natural sweetness!
Figs are versatile—delicious on their own, with mascarpone cheese, or as part of a dish or dessert. Master this cutting technique and try it at home!
A fruit cutting class taught by fruit cutting designer Sawako Nashimizu. The class is divided into a Beginner Course and an Advanced Course, where you can learn everything from the basic techniques of cutting fruit to impressive, next-level presentation styles that are sure to wow. On Sawako Nashimizu’s Instagram, she shares photos of her lessons and beautiful cutting techniques using seasonal fruits!
*The information is based on the time of reporting or creation, and may differ from the current situation.
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