Last Updated on June 11, 2022 by

Today, we are going to be answering How Does A Fig Taste Like? Although the fig is commonly referred to as a fruit, it is a collection of small blooms growing inside an edible shell. Greece, Portugal, Turkey, Spain, and California produce the majority of the world’s figs.

Figs are best in the autumn and are extremely sweet, so they are often used in desserts, though they also work well in savory meals and can be eaten whole. The season for fresh figs is limited, but dried figs are available all year.

Syconium (a pile of inverted blooms) of the common fig tree produces the edible fig (Ficus carica, of the mulberry family). Each bloom bears a seed, protected by an edible pear-shaped pod, commonly referred to as the “fruit” of the fig. 

How Does A Fig Taste Like

Fresh figs have a sweet, honeyed taste and a soft, squishy texture studded with discernible seeds that give them a crunch. Dried figs have a concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture; the seeds are nearly undetectable.

The color varies with variety, although it might be white, green, red, or purplish-black. Originating in the Middle East, figs have been grown for generations. Cultivation has extended throughout the world to hot, arid areas, with Greece, Portugal, Turkey, and Spain producing the most now. 

The vast majority of dried and fresh figs grown for the US market are self-pollinating cultivars grown in California. Figs are also grown in Texas.

Before the sugar introduction, figs were used as a sweetener in sweets. They can be baked, fried, grilled, or roasted whole. Dried figs are popular because the fruit is so delicate and does not store well. 

Fresh figs are pricey due to their limited season and fragile nature, but canned, dried, and frozen figs are far less expensive. Figs are used in a variety of cuisines around the world as a delectable treat. They can be eaten fresh, cooked, or even baked. Figs spoil quickly, becoming sour and acidic in taste. It is preferable to dry and store them.

Types Of Figs

Turkey Brown Fig

Brown Turkey figs are a brown-purple on the outside and have a pale pink flesh. These figs are not as sweet as other figs and have a more subtle flavor than the more potently sweet figs. These less-sweet flavors make Brown Turkey figs great to serve in salads, where they offer a slight sweetness without being too overpowering.

Brown Turkey figs can also be drizzled with honey to add a touch of sweetness. These are a good choice for making fig jam because you can add sugar to make it sweeter while still keeping the subtle sweetness.

Adriatic Figs

Adriatic figs are easily distinguished from other varieties. They are sometimes referred to as ‘white figs’ because of their light green or pale yellow color.Adriatic figs have a bright pink or brilliant red interior and a very sweet flavor, sweeter than any other type.

This adds to their other moniker of ‘candy-striped figs,’ which refers to their white and green striped skin. These figs are commonly used in desserts or served plain with mascarpone cheese due to their super-sweet flavor.If you’re looking for the sweetest figs, look no further than Adriatic figs.

Black Mission figs

Black Mission figs are another super-sweet variety, with a delicious sweet syrup oozing out from time to time. The name comes from the deep purple color of these figs, which is quite stunning. The inside is a lovely pink color with a sweet flavor that goes well with plain yogurt or fresh cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta. They are best served whole, sliced in half, on a cheese platter, or with soft cheese or yogurt.

Kadota Figs

Kadota figs are light green with a pale flesh and are not as sweet as the other fig options. They are good to eat raw and have a very subdued flavor compared to the other fig varieties. Because of their subdued flavor, these are best served cooked up with something or used to make preserves or jams where sweeteners and other flavors can be added in.

For Kadota figs that aren’t as sweet, you could always sprinkle some salt on top to bring out their sweetness a little more. They are also a good option to add to salads, as they hold on to dressings well and don’t overpower the salad with too much sweetness.

Calimyrna Figs

Calimyrna figs have a green-golden skin and are extremely large. Their flesh is a vibrant pink, which contrasts beautifully with the light exterior. Because they are so lovely, these figs are commonly offered split up and eaten as is.

Calimyrna figs have a richer nutty flavor than most other figs, and this nutty flavor makes Calimyrna figs a wonderful charcuterie platter combination. You could even broil them for a few minutes and serve them as a dessert!

Are Fresh Figs Delicious?

A sweet, but not as delicious as a very ripe fig, is a freshly ripe fig that is firm to the touch but gives just a little. The riper—and sweeter—a fig becomes, the squishier it becomes. Fresh figs are sweet, therefore they are usually paired with savory or pungent flavors for a contrast. Toss some fresh figs with walnuts and bitter greens in a salad

What Texture Does Figs Have?

Fresh figs have a somewhat crunchy skin and are extremely juicy and tender. They will be softer and squishier as they get riper. Inside, they are slightly fibrous, with soft, small seeds that you consume together with the full fruit. Dried figs are denser, chewier, and stickier, with the seeds having a more noticeable chewiness.

Facts About Figs

• Because of their color and seeds, figs resemble the guava on the side.
• Figs are high in natural sugars, soluble fiber, minerals, and critical vitamins, making them an extremely healthy fruit.
• Potassium, iron, calcium, copper, magnesium, and vitamins K and A are all abundant. They also contain a lot of antioxidants.
• Fresh figs are the most healthy, with 1.3 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in a 100-gram meal. It also has a very low-calorie count.
• Figs are a natural laxative because of their high fiber content, which helps to nourish and clean the intestines.

A diet high in figs will provide the body with potassium, which aids in blood pressure control. It should be noted, however, that figs contain a high amount of packages and should therefore be consumed in moderation.

How To Prepare Figs

Because the entire fig is edible, you’ll want to wash it thoroughly before eating it. While the stem is edible, it is frequently removed due to its dense and fibrous nature. 

The fig can be eaten whole, chopped, minced, pureed, or cooked if sliced into half or quarters. Baking, broiling, frying, and grilling are just a few of the cooking methods employed. Figs are commonly used as a topping for yogurt, ice cream, and salads and are popular in syrups and jams.

Dried figs are a simple substitute for fresh figs and can be used in a variety of recipes. Three cups of chopped fresh figs equal one pound of dried figs. Soak dried figs in water to rehydrate them if they get too firm.

Figs go well with a range of savory dishes. They are known for pairing well with blue cheese and salty-aged cheeses. Try them with garlic, olives, and capers, as well as citrus fruits like lemon and orange, and cured meats like pancetta, bacon, and ham. 

They are also great with full-bodied vinegar (balsamic or sherry), nuts of any sort, creamy dairy products (cream, mascarpone, and crème fraîche), and spicy spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, and star anise).

What Are the Signs That A Fig Has Spoiled?

When a fig has gone bad, it is fairly easy to tell. The most effective method is to smell the fig. The odor of a bad fig is bad, sour, and rancid. Throw the fig away if you detect any of these.

Another way to tell if a fig has gone bad is to examine it and feel it. If the fig’s physical appearance is off, or if it is particularly mushy to the touch, it is likely to have gone bad and should be discarded.

How To Eat Figs?

Figs are easy to eat, and we suggest starting with fresh ones! Remove the top portion of the fig and the stem, and thoroughly rinse the fig in cold water. The skin of a fig may be eaten, but only after it has been well cleaned.

Then, cut the fig vertically into at least two pieces. You should notice the beautiful seeds within, which glitter like tiny pearls. There is the most delicious part of the fig.

Are Fresh Figs Sweet?

The flavor of the fig fruit flesh varies from pleasantly sweet to sour, depending on its maturity. Fruit sugar (fructose) content is minimal, making it a healthful snack for people of all ages. A newly ripe fig that is firm to the touch but yields just a little is pleasant but not as good as a very ripe fig. A fig grows squishier as it ripens and becomes sweeter.

Conclusion On How Does A Fig Taste Like?

Figs are pleasantly soft, sweet fruits with a range of flavors from jammy to nutty, depending on the variety. Add them to salads, appetizers, main courses, desserts, and anything else you want to sweeten up organically.