Get to Know the 5 Figs of California Fig Season
There’s no better time of year for fresh figs than the California season! These unique fruits of the Mulberry family have a long history of cultural significance – they are believed to be one of the first crops cultivated by humans and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
The California season is often seen as the prime time of year for figs commercially in the US. Its short season typically spans from June to September, with the breba crop kicking off in early summer and the main crop picking up mid-summer.
As the California fig season rolls around, there’s no better time to get to know its popular varieties:
BLACK FIG VARIETIES
Black Mission Fig
Kicking it off with the black mission fig, this black fig variety made its way to California by Spanish missionaries. They are medium sized, with deep purplish-black skin and a vibrant pink flesh. Its straightforward flavor is likely what makes black mission one of the most popular fig varieties, along with its more frequent availability. Like most figs, black missions are fiber-packed and are extremely versatile. Their sugary jam-like flavor has a wide variety of flavor pairings – making black mission perfect for dishes across the menu. Black mission figs are most often available during the breba and main crop of California’s season.
Brown Turkey Fig
The brown turkey fig is another black fig of the breba crop – or the first crop of figs to ripen. This fig variety comes from Europe and was especially popular in England. It is a bit larger than the average fig and has purplish-brown skin with pale pink flesh. With a complex flavor combination of sweet and nutty and a tender jam-like texture, brown turkey figs are especially popular in baked goods. When fully ripe, the flavor sometimes has undertones of caramel and butter.
GREEN FIG VARIETIES
Kadota Fig
Moving into green figs, kadotas are a smaller, rounder variety of fig with a vibrant yellow-green skin and amber colored flesh. Descended from the Italian variety Dottato, this fig is known to have less seeds than other varieties, which makes it much more convenient to add to jams and baked goods. It has a much smaller window of availability from California in comparison to the black figs, as it is only available during the main crop.
Sierra Fig
Introduced in 2005 by the University of California, sierra figs are another green fig available during the main crop. They are plump and round, with a similar yellowish-green skin to the kadota variety and a creamy white interior with pale pink flesh. Its flavor is often described as mildly sweet and honey-like, similar to a Riesling wine. This distinct flavor makes sierra figs a great addition to charcuterie boards, as it pairs especially well with meats, cheeses, and nuts.
Tiger Stripe Fig
Sometimes known as panache, the tiger stripe fig is a rare variety believed to be native to Spain. This specific variety is so rare because it can be difficult to grow – it needs a long and warm growing season to develop into its full maturity and flavor. Its exterior is very unique, with a teardrop shape and skin covered in green and yellow stripes. The interior is vivid crimson with tiny white seeds and a flavor similar to strawberry jam. Its thick skin and creamy flesh create a beautiful contrast – this fig is striking inside and out! Out of California, it is typically available for a short window late in the main crop season.
PROFESSIONAL USES
Figs have a rich history, extreme versatility, and a wide range of flavor pairings. The California season arrives at the perfect time of year, when summer is also at its peak, for incorporating fresh figs into the menu. The best part of using fresh figs in the kitchen – they are so versatile they can be used across the menu:
Balsamic Grilled Figs on Lemon Ricotta Toast
Start the dining experience off with this mouth-watering appetizer. This dish from Chateau Lingourdy combines the savory flavor of balsamic and the tart flavor of lemon with the sweetness of fresh figs. The best part about this dish is that many components can be prepared well in advance of food service.
Gourmet Fig Pizza
For an entrée, fire up the coal-fire oven for this delicious white pizza with figs, caramelized onions, and goat cheese. It’s a refreshing summer-twist on a classic savory dish!
Roasted Fig Sundaes
Finish off the dining experience with one of the most popular sweet treats of the summer – ice cream! This roasted fig sundae from the Food Network Kitchen features juicy roasted figs atop sweet vanilla ice cream.
