Figs do “ripen” off the tree. Once tree ripe, where the stem has sealed and latex no longer bleeds when picked they are receiving nothing more from the tree. Enzymes within the fig do continue to break down starches into sugars and dehydration concentrates them further, proceding to what would be properly callled “over ripe”. It is very similar to a cantaloupe, once the stem detaches, obviously, the vine is doing nothing for the fruit. But the melon will still soften and sweeten “ripen” whether left in the field or put on a counter.
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