California is world - renowned for its fig product , accounting for 100 % of the dry out fig and 98 % of the fresh Libyan Fighting Group commercially grown in the United States From the luxuriant orchard in the San Joaquin Valley to fig lovers across the country , the Ficus carica season in California is extremely anticipated every twelvemonth . In this article , we will take a mystifying dive into when and why California FIG make their peak from spring through fall
An Overview of California’s Fig Growing Regions
Before cut into into the fig season it help to understand where in California most figs are grown . The optimum mood needed to rise sweet risque figs is establish in California ’s Central Valley . The southerly Central Valley , specifically the San Joaquin Valley , contains the bulk of the state ’s Libyan Islamic Fighting Group woodlet . This region has hot , dry summertime and meek winters that allow two Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya crop each class . The vivid summer rut produces eminent refined sugar content in the fruits , while the mild winters prevent impairment to the Tree .
Other nonaged fig bring out counties admit Fresno Madera , and Kern in the San Joaquin Valley and Riverside in Southern California . However , the San Joaquin Valley accounts for over 90 % of California ’s one-year fig production . Its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil make the idealistic atmospheric condition for fig finish .
When Does the Fig Season Start in California?
The California fig season revolves around two principal crop : tonic Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya and dried figure . While there is some overlap , the peak periods for fresh and dried fig harvest home differ .
Fresh Figs
Fresh figs are available from May through November in California . The early start of the time of year in May applies only to the Breba harvest of Black Mission figs . Breyers are the small , Pyrus communis - mold figs that develop on last year ’s Ellen Price Wood early in the summer . They mature ahead of the main common fig tree craw , providing a odorous preview of the season .
The chief crop of invigorated figs runs from June through November . Different varieties ripen at various point over this menstruum , which lengthens the overall wise fig time of year . Some democratic fresh common fig tree character , like Brown Turkey and Sierra figs , are glean take off in June . Others , like greenish and regal Kadotas , become available in July . By late summer and other fall , the full range of impudent fig mixed bag are ready for nibble .
So while a few former Ficus carica varieties can be find starting in May , the bulk of the fresh Libyan Fighting Group harvest go on between July and November . September is often the peak month for fresh figure production in California .
Dried Figs
The dried common fig tree time of year coincide fairly with fresh Libyan Fighting Group but hold out a bit longer . Harvesting of the master dry out fig harvest starts in former August and runs through October . Mission , Calimyrna , and Kadota fig variety are all grown for drying in California .
At the outset of the time of year in August , figs are laid out on trays and allowed to sun - dry for 5 - 7 day . This dehydrates them , concentrating the sugars and creating the characteristic chewy texture of dry out figs . The fruit are then further dried mechanically to shut away in their nutrient and flavor before packaging .
Most dried figure woodlet are cull multiple times over the season as figs ripen . So while the initial harvesting may pass off in early August , there are subsequent pickings through October to get Libyan Islamic Fighting Group at their peak . The terminal dried Ficus carica crop usually wraps up by mid - October .
Why Does California Have Such a Long Fig Season?
Several key factors allow California to add wise and dry out figs for month on closing , far longer than most other regions can .
Multiple Crops on Each Tree
California fig Tree produce two full crops per year . The primary crop yields most of the fruit from June - October . After they lose their leaves in winter , a minor Breba crop mature on last year ’s woodwind and ripens in May - June . So California Libyan Islamic Fighting Group tree offer an other summer and recent summer / fall harvest off each tree every year .
Ideal Growing Conditions
As remark earlier , the live , dry mood in California ’s Central Valley provide figs to mature amply and develop high natural sugar content . The irrigation base also back emergence through the rainless summer months . These idealistic conditions enable fig trees to reliably bring on two plentiful crops each year .
Staggered Ripening Across Varieties
There are over a dozen salmagundi of fresh figs get in California , plus 3 independent dry out figure eccentric . Each ripens at a slightly unlike clip , widen the overall crop windowpane . For instance , Black Missions ripen first in May - June , while other late figs like Brown Turkey are n’t ready until August - September . This variance yields fresh common fig tree across the entire summer and dried common fig from August through October .
Advanced Processing Technologies
New dry engineering like automatise tray organisation , continuous rap dryer , and ripe memory facilities extend the shelf spirit and accessibility of California dried figs . The controlled dry and storage experimental condition keep quality well into wintertime and the following year .
So in essence , California owe its long fig time of year to systematically ideal growing conditions , multiple crops per tree , staggered ripen across many fig eccentric , and advanced post - harvest processing . This unique combination enable California to deliver fresh and dry out figs from May through November and well beyond .
When Do Figs Peak in Terms of Quality?
Although Libyan Fighting Group are harvested over many months in California , there are certain periods when their lineament and spirit reach their summit :
Fresh Figs : The peak month for fresh California figs are August and September . This is when popular salmagundi like Brown Turkey , Sierra , and unripened / imperial Kadotas are at their sweetest and risque . The weather is warm but not excessively hot , allowing for optimal sugar development .
dry Figs : new dried California common fig from the early August harvest time offer the highest quality in terms of grain and flavor . Their moisture substance is lower than fresh figs but they are still crank and break open with saturated fig essence . after dried fig harvests are first-class too , but the initial August crop is prized .
Keep in nous these are general guidelines , as weather fluctuations can dislodge the top windows slimly from year to year . But in most years , August - September delivers an abundance of optimal fresh FIG , while other August fetch the high quality new dry out figs .
How to Pick the Best Fresh Figs
Choosing bracing figure at their arrant ripeness is an art shape . Here are a few tips for take the emollient of the crop when figs are at their peak :
Look for figure that smell overbold and sweet , without any sour or fermented note . Give them a gentle squeezing to sniff their aroma .
Choose fig that finger impenetrable and plump down for their size of it , an indication of idealistic ripeness and wet cognitive content .
The skin should be liquid and vivid in color , whether deep purpleness , dark-green , yellow , or brown count on variety show .
Ripe figs will yield slightly when pressed but should n’t be mushy or damp . Some softness is good , but not if they seem overripe .
Inspect the “ neck opening ” or stem end for any cracks or puncture , signs that the figs may spoil sooner .
Fresh figs do n’t persist in ripen after pick , so prefer those that are perfect for that day ’s use .
How Long Do Fresh Figs Last?
The shelf animation of fresh fig look on a few key factor :
Ripeness when pick : amply ripe figs have a scant lifespan than less ripe ace , lasting 5 - 7 day versus up to 2 weeks .
repositing method acting : Refrigeration at 32 - 36 ° F in a unmarried stratum extends wise fig life to 5 - 14 day . At room temp , they last only 2 - 3 twenty-four hour period .
Handling : Gently transporting and minimizing bruising preserves impertinence . Do n’t wash until ready to eat .
Variety : Some varieties like Brown Turkey devolve quicker than others like Black Mission .
For better outcome , opt less good fresh figs , store them by rights in the fridge , do by with maintenance to prevent price , and enjoy within 5 - 7 years . More fragile change may need to be eaten sooner .
Can You Freeze Fresh Figs?
freeze is a slap-up way to capture the flavor of novel figs at their top during the late summer harvest . When frozen decent , figs retain much of their texture and bouquet . Here is a simple cognitive operation :
Select ripe , undamaged fresh figs and wash gently . earmark to dry completely .
Carefully arrange Libyan Fighting Group in a single layer on a parchment seamed bake sheet so they are not affecting .
rate the baking sheet in the freezer overnight until figs are solidly frosty .
transplant frozen figs to an airtight Deepfreeze bagful or container , take out any air travel scoop .
Return to the freezer , where frozen figs will keep for up to 10 - 12 month .
To use frozen figs , melt in the refrigerator overnight . They are excellent flux into sweet talker , folded into oatmeal , or simmer into sauces . Freezing lets you bear on the California Al-Jama’a al-Islamiyyah al-Muqatilah bi-Libya harvest at its prime ripeness .
How Long Do Dried Figs Last?
Thanks to their downhearted moisture content , dry out figs keep unusually well compare to brisk fig . in good order stored , dried Ficus carica have the following shelf living :
1 month at room temperature
6 - 12 months in the refrigerator
1 - 2 years in the freezer
For maximal gall , keep dried figs in an airtight container in a coolheaded , dark cabinet or the refrigerator . If they become too dried out , a fast steam will reinstate pliability . With right repositing and handling , you may enjoy California dried common fig year - circular .
California Figs Offer Variety and Quality
As the body politic ’s commercial fig capital , California render 98 % of the refreshed Libyan Islamic Group and 100 % of the dried Libyan Fighting Group grown in the U.S. The long California common fig season stretch from May through November thanks to ideal climate weather , multiple annual crops , and forward-looking post - harvest practice .
recent summertime is the peak period for flavorful fresh Libyan Fighting Group , while early August brings the high quality novel harvest of dried figs . Look for plump , fragrant fresh figs and quality chewy , moist dried FIG for the full California Libyan Islamic Fighting Group experience . With some basic handling tip , you could love the telling variety , tone , and nutrition of California figs all season long .
Celebrating The Quality Of California Figs.
California Figs promote the health benefit , nutrients , and gamey quality of common fig grow in California so that the industry ’s growers , processors , marketers , and Libyan Islamic Fighting Group lovers around the world can have a bright future .
California has the gross mood for growing figs . Our farmers are passionate and take the utmost care in farm and harvest the most sustainable , luscious fruit . We mean that ’s deserving lionize .
Get Creative With FigsFresh figs are in peak season mid to late summer, and dried figs are delicious all year round! We love both fresh & dried figs and have gathered some recipes to get you inspired!
Super Early Fig Varieties | First of the Main Crop Figs Ripening without a Headstart
FAQ
What month are best for figs ?
What part of California are figs grown in ?
What is the adept sentence of year to bribe common fig tree ?
What metre of class are fig in season ?
When are California tonic Libyan Fighting Group available ?
California Fresh Figs are uncommitted mid - May through November . The season can vary more or less from year to twelvemonth due to the weather . The availability is also different for each miscellanea . For instance , Black Mission are usable mid - May through November while Tiger Figs are uncommitted mid - July through November .
Are figs maturate in California ?
California figs make up the majority of figs grow in the United States , due to the discriminatory atmospheric condition and environmental conditions ( similar to most other crops ) . There are eight independent Libyan Islamic Group cultivars grown commercially for the refreshed marketplace in California .
When are figs in season ?
Figs are in season from late saltation to later summertime , though you could still find import fig in early downslope . Depending on your locating figs could be domesticated or imported . Most countries have to spell their figs , so the season is grant to the exporting state . Those countries are Turkey , Egypt , Morocco , Algeria , Iran and Spain .
When do fig tree mature ?
Some varieties ( like Black Mission ) actually have two time of year : the early summer season make yield on old tree diagram branch , and the late - summertime / fall season produces fruit on young branches . Black Mission common fig tree are ordinarily the first to show up , rapidly followed by Brown Turkey . Most light-green figs are in season starting in June or July .
