How to make alkaline water with figs for a hydrating, mineral-rich drink?

November 27, 2025 •

4 min read

Figs are rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which are known for their alkalizing effect on the body after digestion. This guide explains how to make alkaline water with figs, creating a nutritious infused beverage that capitalizes on these benefits for improved hydration and wellness.

Quick Summary

A simple method for creating mineral-rich infused water involves soaking dried figs overnight. This process leaches beneficial nutrients into the liquid. It's a natural and affordable way to enjoy a hydrating beverage while tapping into the alkalizing properties figs have on the body after metabolism.

Key Points

Indirect Alkalinity: Figs do not directly make water alkaline, but are considered an 'alkaline-forming' food due to the minerals they release after being metabolized by the body.
Simple Preparation: The recipe involves a straightforward overnight soaking process that effectively infuses water with the figs' beneficial compounds.
Rich in Minerals: Figs are a great source of potassium, magnesium, and calcium, all of which are essential for various bodily functions, including pH regulation.
Digestive Benefits: The fiber content of figs, especially when soaked, can aid digestion and help relieve constipation.
Enhanced Hydration: Fig-infused water offers a tasty and nutritious alternative to plain water, encouraging increased fluid intake throughout the day.
Nutrient-Packed Alternative: This method is a natural, low-cost way to get more nutrients, unlike expensive water ionizers or potentially harsh chemical drops.

Understanding the Alkaline Effect of Figs

Before diving into the recipe, it's important to clarify the science behind using figs for 'alkaline water.' The term does not imply that adding figs will instantly raise the pH of the water itself. Raw figs are naturally slightly acidic. The 'alkaline' benefit comes from how the body metabolizes figs. Rich in minerals like potassium, magnesium, and calcium, figs produce an alkaline ash residue during digestion. This post-digestive effect contributes to the body's overall alkaline load, helping to balance acidity over time. The infused water serves as a flavorful, mineral-rich delivery method for these nutrients.

The Simple Recipe: How to Make Fig-Infused Water

Making your own fig-infused water is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort. This overnight method ensures maximum flavor and nutrient extraction from the figs.

Ingredients and Supplies

4-5 dried figs (anjeer)
4 cups (1 liter) of filtered water
1 glass jar or pitcher with a lid

Step-by-Step Instructions

Rinse the figs: Gently rinse the dried figs under cool water to remove any surface dust or debris. This is a crucial step for cleanliness.
Prepare the figs: For better infusion, slice each fig in half or quarter them. This increases the surface area, allowing the minerals and flavors to release more effectively into the water.
Combine ingredients: Place the prepared figs into your clean glass jar or pitcher. Pour the 4 cups of filtered water over the figs, ensuring they are fully submerged.
Soak overnight: Cover the jar with a lid and let the mixture sit at room temperature overnight, or for at least 8 hours. This prolonged soaking period allows the figs to rehydrate and infuse the water with their nutrients and sweet flavor.
Strain and serve: The next morning, strain the figs from the water using a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth. You can discard the figs or eat them for an extra fiber boost. Your fig-infused water is now ready to drink.
Store: Store the infused water in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. For best results, consume it fresh.

Maximizing the Benefits of Your Fig Water

To get the most out of your homemade fig-infused water, consider a few additional tips:

Use high-quality dried figs: The quality of the figs directly impacts the flavor and nutrient content of your water. Look for plump, unsulfured dried figs for the best results.
Consume on an empty stomach: Many traditional health practices, such as Ayurveda, recommend drinking infused fig water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to aid digestion and kickstart your metabolism.
Add other ingredients: Enhance the flavor and health benefits by adding complementary ingredients. A few mint leaves can add a refreshing note, while a slice of lemon can provide additional vitamin C and electrolytes.

Comparison of Alkaline Water Methods

While fig-infused water is a great source of minerals, it's just one way to approach the concept of alkaline hydration. Here is a comparison of different methods:


Method	Cost	Alkalinity Mechanism	Pros	Cons
Figs	Low	Post-digestive mineral metabolism	Natural, adds flavor, provides fiber	Not a direct water alkalizer; some claims are debated
Lemon	Low	Post-digestive mineral metabolism	Adds vitamin C, easy, refreshing	Acidity can be misleading; needs time to be metabolized
Baking Soda	Very Low	Direct pH increase	Instant results, affordable	Salty taste, risks with overconsumption, lacks other nutrients
pH Drops	Medium	Direct pH increase	Portable, reliable alkalinity	Added minerals might not be natural, can be expensive
Water Ionizer	High	Electrolysis process	Consistent, adjustable pH, filtration	Very expensive, requires electricity

Fig Water for Health and Wellness

Beyond its potential for contributing to a more alkaline diet, fig water offers a host of other health benefits due to the nutrients in the fruit. The fiber content in figs supports digestive health and promotes regular bowel movements. The antioxidants present help combat free radicals, which can contribute to overall cell health and anti-aging. Furthermore, the potassium in figs helps regulate blood pressure, which is beneficial for cardiovascular health. The calcium and magnesium content also contributes to stronger bones and better bone density.

Conclusion: A Simple Path to Enhanced Hydration

Making alkaline water with figs is a simple, natural, and flavorful way to enhance your hydration routine. While it doesn't instantly turn your water alkaline, the practice of soaking figs provides a mineral-rich beverage that supports your body's natural pH-balancing processes after digestion. It offers a delicious and healthy alternative to plain water, with the added benefits of improved digestion, cardiovascular support, and antioxidant intake. For anyone looking for a low-cost, natural remedy to boost their wellness, fig-infused water is a fantastic place to start. For more information on the benefits of soaked figs, sources like Nutraj offer additional insight into their nutritional value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, as the dried figs soak, their natural sugars release into the water, giving it a subtle, pleasant sweetness. The intensity of the sweetness will depend on the type and quantity of figs used.

Yes, you can use fresh figs. However, dried figs tend to have a higher concentration of minerals and sugars, resulting in a more potent infusion. Adjust the number of figs to your taste, as fresh figs are less sweet.

For optimal freshness and taste, it's best to consume the infused water within 2 to 3 days. Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator to prevent it from going bad.

The best way to clean figs is to give them a quick rinse under cool running water to remove any surface dirt. If using dried figs, this is usually sufficient.

Yes, you can and should eat the figs after soaking them. They will be plump and rehydrated, and they retain much of their fiber and nutrients, offering additional digestive benefits.

No, this method does not guarantee a specific pH level for the water. The primary benefit is the intake of alkalizing minerals through the fig infusion, which has an effect on the body after digestion, not on the water itself.

Drinking fig-infused water daily is generally safe and beneficial. However, due to its high fiber content, excessive consumption could potentially cause digestive discomfort in some individuals. It's always best to consume in moderation.