If you’ve never eaten a perfectly ripe California Mission fig, you’re in for a treat.
With their deep purple skin, soft ruby-colored flesh, and rich honey-like sweetness, Mission figs are one of summer’s most anticipated fruits. Right now, you’ll find beautiful fresh figs at Minazzoli Farms at the farmers market, with Borba Family Farms bringing figs later in the season.
A Fruit with Deep California Roots
Mission figs have been part of California’s agricultural story for more than 250 years. Franciscan missionaries brought fig cuttings to California in the 1700s, planting them at the missions as they moved north through the state. The trees thrived in California’s Mediterranean climate, and Mission figs eventually became one of the state’s most beloved fruits.
Today, California produces the vast majority of the nation’s figs, and Mission figs remain one of the most popular varieties.
What Makes Mission Figs Special?
Mission figs are known for their rich, complex flavor. Their sweetness is often described as a blend of honey, caramel, berry jam, and a hint of nuttiness. The flesh is soft and luscious, while the thin skin ranges from deep purple to nearly black.
Fresh figs are delicate and highly perishable, which is one reason they feel like such a seasonal luxury. Unlike many fruits, figs do not continue to ripen significantly once picked, so farmers harvest them at just the right moment for market.
Ways to Enjoy Fresh Figs
One of the best ways to enjoy Mission figs is simply out of hand. Their natural sweetness makes them a perfect snack.
They also pair beautifully with:
- Goat cheese, ricotta, or blue cheese
- Charcuterie boards
- Fresh greens and summer salads
- Yogurt and granola
- Honey and nuts
- Roasted meats
For a simple appetizer, slice fresh figs in half and top with a small spoonful of goat cheese and a drizzle of local honey.
Figs also become wonderfully rich when roasted or baked, making them ideal for tarts, cakes, jams, and preserves.
Good for You, Too
Figs are a good source of dietary fiber and contain important minerals including potassium, magnesium, and calcium. They also provide antioxidants that help protect cells from everyday damage.
One large fresh fig contains about 47 calories, making it a naturally sweet and satisfying addition to summer meals.
How to Select and Store Figs
Choose figs that are plump, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. Avoid fruit that feels mushy or shows signs of leaking.
Because fresh figs are delicate, handle them gently and refrigerate them soon after purchase. They are best enjoyed within a few days.
Here’s a farmers market tip: bring along an empty egg carton when shopping. The individual compartments cradle each fig and help prevent bruising on the trip home.
Fig Fun Facts
- Figs are members of the mulberry family.
- The flowers of a fig tree develop inside the fruit, so you’ll never see a traditional blossom.
- Fig trees can grow up to 50 feet tall.
- Fig Newton cookies were first introduced in 1892.
- California’s fig season typically runs from late spring through fall.
Whether enjoyed fresh from the market, paired with cheese, or transformed into a favorite recipe, Mission figs are one of the sweetest ways to celebrate California’s summer harvest.
RECIPES: Click here for our favorite recipes.
