Whether you grow them yourself or you purchase figs fresh from a produce section, these tender and tasty fruits are sweet and flavorful. Although eating fresh fruits makes a nutritious snack, drying figs can preserve them for extended storage. Figs dried in a microwave will store well in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.

Place the figs into the colander and wash them under cool water.

Transfer the figs to the cutting board and slice each fig in half lengthwise with the utility knife.

Arrange the cut figs on the plate with the cut edges facing down. Do not allow the figs to touch each other on the plate.

Place the plate into the microwave and set the microwave to high. Microwave the figs for 10 minutes.

Open the microwave and flip the figs over with a spatula so the cut edges face up.

Place the plate back into the microwave and cook the figs for eight to 10 more minutes on high. Watch the cooking during the final four minutes or so. When you see the figs dry to the point of shriveling, stop the microwave. The figs are dry enough when they shrivel but still feel sticky and tender.

Remove the figs from the microwave and transfer them to the cooling rack. Allow the figs to cool for at least 30 minutes on the rack.

Place the figs into the plastic bag and close the bag loosely. Store the bag in the refrigerator for two days.

Remove the bag from the refrigerator after two days. Squeeze out as much air as possible from the bag and seal the bag tightly. Place the bag back into the refrigerator and store the dried figs for up to three weeks.