Fig Leaf Simple Syrup

Recommended by Nitabel

Wildly underappreciated (in the US) — fig leaves taste like coconut-vanilla-toasted marshmallow (also a bit like pandan) and have a wide variety of uses, including medical applications. It takes just a few leaves to make a potent syrup that can be used to sweeten coffee or tea, deepen the flavor of baked goods and desserts, or be a base note for gorgeous cocktails.

great taste Starter Pack

a month ago

Comments

Briar

@briarwintersAug 2, 2026

So good!!!

Davis

@d_a_v_i_sAug 2, 2026

How do you prep the leaves/make the syrup? Just boil em in water, then mix in the appropriate amount of sugar?

Nitabel

@nitabelAug 2, 2026

I washed them, toasted them in the oven at 170F for a couple of hours, put them in water with sugar (1:1), brought that to a boil briefly, then removed from the heat and let steep overnight. The link in my post has a recipe, too!

Davis

@d_a_v_i_sAug 2, 2026

Oops. "Reading the post" would've been helpful for me, lol. We have a fig tree in the backyard and I make simple syrup about once a week for cold brew, so excited to try this!

Nitabel

@nitabelAug 2, 2026

So many other cool ideas for lead uses in that link, too!!!

marika brownlee

@marikaelonAug 3, 2026

what do we feel is the legality of picking leaves off a neighborhood fig tree that overhangs the sidewalk…

Nitabel

@nitabelAug 4, 2026

This was my situation — and a great opportunity to go meet the neighbors and ask! (You can literally “ sweeten the deal” and promise to share :)

Kai’li Millner

@kailiAug 4, 2026

Just sent this to my friend who loves figs and another who’s always trying to find ice cream flavors that aren’t run of the mill. Thank you!

gideon

@wicketsAug 6, 2026

"The most popular way to enjoy the flavour of fig leaves is through infusions. From adding a fig leaf to your rice as it simmers and steams" cannot wait to try this. THANK YOU

Cash O’Brien

@cashobrienAug 7, 2026

Failed miserably at making this once, (steeped too long and tasted like boiled grass) but feeling inspired to try again!! My fig tree will be hearing from me.

Nitabel

@nitabelAug 7, 2026

I have thoughts! 1) don’t skip toasting the leaves in the oven first — it reduces grass taste and amplifies toasted marshmallow taste. 2) try to keep the dry leaves whole - crumbling them seems to release more vegetal flavor. 3) sugar is what makes the vanilla notes shine!!

Cash O’Brien

@cashobrienAug 7, 2026

Thank you!! Will do :)

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