Figs are one of nature's sweetest treasures, with a rich history dating back thousands of years. These honey-sweet fruits come in numerous varieties, each with unique flavours and best uses in the kitchen.
Whether you're baking, preserving, or enjoying them fresh, knowing your fig varieties can take your culinary adventures to delicious new heights.
This article is for informative purposes only. Fig varieties and their suggested uses may vary depending on region, availability, and personal preference.
1. Black Mission Figs
Sweet and jammy with a deep purple-black skin, these California classics deliver intense flavour when dried. They shine in cheese pairings, particularly with blue varieties or goat's cheese.
Their rich sweetness makes them perfect for baking into tarts or chopping into hearty salads with walnuts.
2. Kadota Figs
Sporting a light green exterior and amber flesh, Kadotas are less sweet than other varieties. Their delicate flavour makes them brilliant for preserving whole in syrup or honey.
Try poaching them with vanilla and serving alongside creamy desserts for an elegant finish that isn't overpowering.
3. Adriatic Figs
Nicknamed "white figs" despite their greenish-yellow skin, these beauties hide stunning strawberry-red flesh inside. Their light berry-like sweetness works brilliantly in morning porridge or overnight oats.
Many fig enthusiasts consider them the sweetest variety, making them ideal for eating fresh rather than cooking.
4. Calimyrna Figs
Originally from Turkey but now California grown, these large yellowish-green figs offer a nutty flavour unlike any other variety. Their size makes them perfect for stuffing with mascarpone or ricotta mixed with honey.
When dried, they develop an intense sweetness that works wonderfully in homemade energy bars and granolas.
5. Brown Turkey Figs
Recognisable by their brownish-purple skin and pink flesh, these mild-flavoured figs are incredibly versatile kitchen companions. Their subtle sweetness makes them excellent for both sweet and savoury applications.
Wrap them in prosciutto for an elegant starter, or roast with honey and thyme to serve alongside roast meats.
6. Celeste Figs
Often called "sugar figs" for good reason, these small purple gems pack intense sweetness into their compact size. Their rich honey flavour stands up beautifully to bold ingredients like dark chocolate or spiced rum.
Perfect for making fig jam that will transform your morning toast or afternoon scones into something truly special.
7. Panache (Tiger Stripe) Figs
With their distinctive green and yellow striped exterior, these show-stopping figs are as beautiful as they are delicious. Their bright red flesh and raspberry-like flavour make them gorgeous garnishes for desserts.
Simply slice and arrange atop cheesecakes or pavlovas for an instant wow factor that requires minimal effort.
8. King (Desert King) Figs
Large green figs with stunning strawberry-red flesh, Desert Kings thrive in drier climates and ripen earlier than most varieties.
Their substantial size makes them fantastic for grilling – just brush with honey and place on a hot barbecue until caramelised. The heat intensifies their natural sweetness brilliantly.
9. Osborne Prolific Figs
True to their name, these medium-sized brownish-purple figs produce abundant harvests, making them a gardener's delight. Their amber flesh offers a rich, sweet flavour that works wonderfully in homemade fig ice cream or sorbet.
When fresh, their tender skin means they need gentle handling but reward with exceptional taste.
10. Excel Figs
Yellow-green when ripe with honey-amber flesh, Excel figs remain relatively unknown outside dedicated fig enthusiasts' circles. Their unique flavour profile combines honey sweetness with subtle citrus notes.
This makes them exceptional candidates for fig-infused spirits or homemade fig vinegar that will elevate your salad dressings to gourmet status.
