Turkish Figs – 10 Essential Things to Know

As a Turkish local, my international friends ask me a lot of questions, like why Turkish figs are different or why most of the dried figs are labeled as Turkish figs, and many more similar questions.

I may not be a professional expert, but I live in the region where nearly half of the fig production in Turkey takes place.

Literally, I was born into fig trees. I also own several fig trees in my backyard and our vineyard.

With the help of little research, I will answer all your questions about figs in this post.

What are the Turkish Figs?

Figs are grown all around the globe in temperate climate zones, yet the Mediterranean climate is the best climate to grow figs.

Turkish figs are famous because Fig Tree is a native plant to Turkey. Fig has been cultivated in Turkey since ancient times.

Moreover, Turkey is the world’s leading fresh and dried fig producer.

Are Turkish figs different?

Figs in Turkey are different because of the climate, temperature, and all other conditions that are excellent for fig trees. Also, Turkish farmers have centuries of tradition on how to grow and produce figs.

While you can consume figs in two different ways: fresh or dried, yet, Turkish dried figs are more famous and delicious.

Besides differences in Turkish native fig varieties, the main difference between Turkish figs and regular figs is how they are dried.

There are two main techniques to make dried figs. One of them is drying them with natural sunlight, the other is drying with heated ovens.

Turkish figs are generally dried with sunlight. This traditional drying method creates tastier, meatier, and healthier dried grapes.

What is the difference Between Mission Figs and Turkish Figs?

Here are the major differences between Fresh Mission and Turkish Figs.

I usually feel mission figs are rich in sugar and more honey-like. On the other hand, Turkish figs are more earthy with better flavor and smell.

Turkish dried figs, on the other hand, are more natural besides being tasty. For these reasons, Turkish figs are demanded all around the globe.

To sustain this demand, measures are taken to ensure the quality of Turkish dried figs. In recent decades, the traditional drying technique has been further enhanced by modern technology.

For example, Turkish figs are still dried by sunlight but not in the open air. Now, they are dried in a greenhouse to ensure a sterile environment.

Turkish figs are also screened with UV light to detect low-quality products once the drying is over.

Turkish figs are healthier because of two factors.

First, Turkish figs are dried using sunshine; second, many modern techniques are employed in washing, drying, packaging, storage, and delivery.

Yet all these modern methods are just small enchantments to the traditional way of drying to ensure higher quality natural products without pests. Source 1 Source 2

Where to Buy Turkish Figs?

You can find Turkish figs through Amazon Online. Since they are dried, they can last a very long time. By the way, here is my favorite dried fig brand that you can find on Amazon.

Where do Turkish figs come from?

Turkish figs from Turkey are the most known figs in the world. Turkey produces a quarter of the fresh figs in the world and nearly all of the dried figs in the world.

The Mediterranean climate is the most excellent climate to grow figs. Yet, most figs came from several microclimates that provide more than an excellent environment to grow figs.

Aydin province of Turkey accounts for 75% of Turkey’s fresh and dried fig production. Aydın is followed by Hatay, Mersin and Adana.

Turkey produces 78,200 tonnes of dried and 306,499 tonnes of fresh figs each year.

Here are the tables.

World Fig Production

World Dried Fig Production

A Fun Fact about the History of Figs

Famous ancient era historian Herodotus (who lived in Bodrum, Turkey, in 5th BC) believed that the figs are old as humankind.

Herodotus also speculated that the Persians gave up their fighting and lost to the Greeks because the Persian army lacked figs in their diet.

Many believed that figs were the super fruit of all time in the Ancient Greek world.

Are Turkish Figs Good for You?

Turkish figs are very good and healthy fruits. Turkish dried figs especially provide delicious snacks. Here are the major positive health effects of Turkish figs. Turkish figs;

• Prevent cancer cell formation because figs (especially dried figs) are a very good source of antioxidants.
• strengthen the immune system.
• protects cardiovascular health and prevents hardening of the arteries because figs have high potassium, calcium, and low-fat content.
• nourishes the hair follicles and protects the scalp with magnesium-rich minerals.
• are an excellent snack after sportive activities to balance your sugar levels because figs contain high natural sugar.
• contains high levels of fiber which supports our digestive system.

How do you eat Turkish figs? 3 Simple Recipes

I love to eat dried figs mixed with oats and milk in the morning. Let me share some of my favorite recipes for dried Turkish figs.

Simple Dried Fig Recipe with 2-Ingredients

Put whole walnuts inside Turkish dried figs. This is the most common way Turkish people eat dried figs.

Fig Energy Balls

• Put dried figs in a blender
• Add a 1/2 teaspoon of water for each whole dried fig before starting the blender.
• slowly add oats, coconut, and walnuts, and use a blender to make a dough.
• Shape the dough into small balls.
• You can coat the balls with cocoa, or you may cover them with chocolate sauce.
• Let them rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours before you serve them.

Fig energy balls are excellent for raising energy levels when you are tired.

Banana Fig Cookies

• Soak the dried figs in hot water for 5 minutes.
• Put the banana and the softened figs into a blender to obtain a thick dough.
• Divide this dough into cookie size and put the unbaked cookies in a baking tray lined covered with baking paper.
• Bake in a preheated 180-degree oven for about 20 minutes.
• Rest your cookies after cooking and serve them cold for the best experience.

Turkish Fig Varieties

There are many differences. Here are the main fig tree varieties in Turkey and their attributes.