There are many different types of figs, but the black mission fig and the Calimyrna fig are the most common. Black mission figs have deep purple skin and a sweet, rich flavor. Calimyrna figs are lighter in color with a slightly nutty taste. Both types of figs are delicious and versatile and can be used in various recipes.
Most people know figs as the fruit used in Fig Newtons, but it has a long and interesting history that goes back thousands of years. The fig is believed to have originated in western Asia or North Africa and was one of the first plants to be cultivated by humans.
Figs were an important food crop for the Greeks and Romans and were also popular in China and India.
⬇️ Table of Contents
When Are Figs In Season
Originally grown in the Middle East and Africa, Figs are a delicious fruit commonly enjoyed in ancient Rome. The fruit is in season between June and September, and the current season ends on September 20th. This blog post will look at the different varieties of fresh figs and when they are in season.
Types of Figs
Figs were introduced to the Americas by Spanish missionaries in the 1600s, and they quickly became a staple crop. They originated in the Middle East and have been cultivated for thousands of years. They are grown in many different parts of the world, including the Mediterranean region, California, and Australia.
Black Mission Figs
Black missions are a type of fig typically harvested in the late summer and fall and considered the common fig. They have dark purple skin and a sweet, complex flavor. Black missions are grown in California and Arizona.
Black missions are native to the Mediterranean region. They were introduced to California by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century.
What do black mission figs taste like?
They have a sweet, complex flavor with hints of honey and citrus. The flesh is soft and slightly chewy.
What are the benefits of eating black mission figs?
Black mission figs are a good dietary fiber, potassium, and calcium source. They also contain vitamins A and C.
How can I use black mission figs?
They can be eaten fresh or dried. They can also be used in cooking, baking, or topping yogurt or ice cream. Dried figs can be found in many health food stores.
What is the difference between black mission figs and other types of figs?
Black mission figs are typically larger and sweeter than other types. They also have higher sugar content.
Kadota Figs
Kadota has green skin and a mildly sweet flavor. They are in season from July to September. Kadotas are native to the Mediterranean and were first introduced to California in 1873.
In 1873, Nicolo Garbuio brought Kadota trees from Cosenza, Italy, to Riverside, California. He was likely the first person to introduce the Kadota fig to America. The tree did not do well in Riverside's hot climate and was soon transplanted to San Diego.
Kadota is used in many different dishes, including salads, desserts, and main courses.
What do Kadota figs taste like?
Kadota's sweet, honey-like flavor makes them ideal for baked goods. They are often used in pies, pastries, and other desserts. They can also be eaten fresh or dried.
What are the benefits of eating Kadota figs?
Kadota figs are a good source of fiber and vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain antioxidants that can help protect against disease. They have a variety of uses, both culinary and medicinal.
How do I choose a ripe Kadota fig?
When choosing a ripe Kadota, look for one that is soft to the touch and has a deep, rich color. Avoid ones that are bruised or have blemishes. Ripe Kadota figs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days.
What are some ideas for using Kadota figs?
Kadota figs can be used in pies, tarts, cobblers, and other baked goods. They can also be eaten fresh, dried, or made into a jam. They can also be used in savory dishes such as stews and roast chicken.
Brown Turkey Figs
Brown Turkey is a fresh fig variety commonly found in the United States. It has thick, dark skin and sweet, amber-colored flesh. This type is a popular recipe choice, as it is incredibly versatile.
This is a summer fruit typically in season from June through August. However, depending on the region, they may be available earlier or later in the season.
What do Brown Turkey Figs taste like?
Brown Turkey Figs have sweet, Amber-colored flesh with a small seed cavity. They are often used in recipes because of their versatility.
What are some popular uses for Brown Turkey Figs?
They can be eaten fresh or used in recipes such as preserves, pies, or jams. They are also popular for use as a garnish on desserts or as decoration on cakes and pastries.
Where do Brown Turkey Figs come from?
It is native to the Mediterranean region. However, they are now grown in many other parts of the world, including the United States.
Celeste Figs
Celeste figs are small and round, with purple-brown skin and pink flesh. They have a sweet, honeyed flavor with hints of strawberry and raspberry. They are often used in preserves, jams, and baked goods like pies and cookies.
Celeste was first grown in Texas. The name “Celeste” means “heavenly” in Spanish, and it’s thought that the name was given to this variety of fresh fig because of its delicate flavor and fragrant aroma.
Calimyrna Figs
Calimyrnas is a type of fig with light-colored skin and a nutty flavor. They are in season from August to October.
The Calimyrna fig is a variety of the Smyrna fig, which is native to Asia Minor. The Calimyrna was introduced to California in the early 1900s and has been grown there ever since.
The name "Calimyrna" comes from the Greek words for "beautiful" and "myrtle," referring to the fact that this has a myrtle-like leaf pattern on its skin.
They are commonly used in baked goods such as pies and cakes but can also be eaten fresh or as a dried fig.
Sierra Figs
Sierra figs are native to the Mediterranean region. They are small and green, with a pink blush on their skin. They have a sweet, delicate flavor and are often eaten fresh as a snack or added to salads. Serria figs are also used in baking, adding a sweet flavor and moist texture to cakes and other desserts.
They have been cultivated since ancient times and were a favorite fruit of the Roman emperor Augustus. Fig trees were introduced to California by Spanish missionaries in the 18th century, and the serria fig variety soon became popular among growers in the state. Today, serria figs are grown in warm climates worldwide and are widely available in supermarkets and specialty food stores.
When selecting serria figs, look for plump and firm fruit with no bruises or blemishes. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. To enjoy them at their best, eat them within a day or two of purchasing them.
Dried Figs
Dried figs are a type of fig that has been dried out in the sun or a dehydrator. The dried fig has a long history that dates back to before Christ. They were mentioned in the Bible and were popular with the Greeks and Romans. They are often eaten as a snack or added to recipes. Dried figs are high in fiber and potassium and contain vitamins and minerals.
Which Fig Variety has the Longest Season?
There are many different varieties of figs, each with a different season.
- Brown Turkey has the longest season, lasting from late summer into early winter.
- The Black Mission has a shorter season, from early summer into fall.
- The Kadota has an even shorter season, from late spring into early summer.
- The Calimyrna has the shortest season, from mid-spring into early summer.
Nutritional Values of Figs
Fruits contain several nutrients that are important for a healthy diet. Figs fruits contain several nutrients that are important for a healthy diet.
- High in calories, one fresh fig contains 92 calories, and 75% of its weight comes from carbohydrates.
- There are about 12 grams of sugar in a fig. This amount of sugar is higher than in most other fruits.
- One fig contains eight grams of fiber. Figs are a great source of fiber, which is important in maintaining heart health and digestive health.
- One fig contains 16% of the daily recommended allowance of potassium. Potassium is a mineral that is important in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
- One fig contains 6% of the daily recommended allowance of calcium. Calcium is a mineral that is important in maintaining bone health.
What Are the Health Benefits of Eating Figs?
The natural health benefits of eating fig fruit include:
Building healthy bones. Eating figs can help build healthy bones. They are rich in calcium and vitamin D, essential nutrients for strong bones.
Helping to prevent heart disease. The common fig contains soluble fiber, which may help lower cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease.
Preventing cancer. Eating figs may help prevent cancer. They are high in antioxidants, which help fight free radicals in the body. Free radicals can damage cells and lead to the development of cancer.
Helping prevent diabetes. Figs are rich in fiber, which can help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes.
Helping relieve constipation. Eating fresh figs and dried figs can help relieve constipation. They provide fiber, which helps move food through the digestive system.
Recipes To Try:
Fig Carpaccio with Burrata Cheese
Fig Shortbread Tart - Le Cordon Bleu Recipe
FAQ's
What is the difference between fresh and dried figs?
Fresh figs are typically softer and more delicate than dried figs. Dried figs have a chewy texture and can be stored for longer periods.
How Can I Ripen Figs More Quickly?
There are a few ways to speed up the ripening process of figs. One way is to place them in a paper bag with an apple or banana.
The ethylene gas emitted by these fruits will help to ripen the figs more quickly. Another way is to place the figs on a sunny windowsill. The warmth from the sun will also help to ripen them faster.
Finally, you can put them in the oven at a low temperature for a short period of time. This will cause the figs to soften and become sweeter, but be careful not to overcook them or become mushy.
Can I Freeze Fresh Figs?
You can freeze fresh figs if they are ripe and have arranged them whole. You can also slice or quarter the ripe ones before freezing them. If the figs are not yet ripe, you can ripen them by placing them in a paper bag with a ripe banana or apple.
Once the figs are ripe, you can then freeze them. Figs grow best in warm climates, such as the Mediterranean, but they can also be grown in cooler climates, such as California or Turkey. Brown turkey figs are a type of fig that is commonly grown in Turkey.
Can You Eat Unripe Figs?
Can you eat unripe figs? The answer is yes, but they may not taste as sweet as ripe. Unripe figs are savory and have a longer shelf life.
Dried figs are available year-round and are a great way to enjoy the sweetness of figs when they are out of season.
Leave a Reply