The Peak Season for Fresh and Dried Figs in California

California is world-renowned for its fig production, accounting for 100% of the dried figs and 98% of the fresh figs commercially grown in the United States From the lush orchards in the San Joaquin Valley to fig lovers nationwide, the fig season in California is highly anticipated every year. In this article, we will take a deep dive into when and why California figs reach their peak from spring through fall

An Overview of California’s Fig Growing Regions

Before delving into the fig season it helps to understand where in California most figs are grown. The optimal climate needed to grow sweet juicy figs is found in California’s Central Valley. The southern Central Valley, specifically the San Joaquin Valley, contains the majority of the state’s fig orchards. This region has hot, dry summers and mild winters that allow two fig crops each year. The intense summer heat produces high sugar content in the fruits, while the mild winters prevent damage to the trees.

Other minor fig producing counties include 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 annual fig production. Its Mediterranean climate and fertile soil create the ideal conditions for fig cultivation.

When Does the Fig Season Start in California?

The California fig season revolves around two main crops: fresh figs and dried figs. While there is some overlap, the peak periods for fresh and dried fig harvesting differ.

Fresh Figs

Fresh figs are available from May through November in California. The early start of the season in May applies only to the Breba crop of Black Mission figs. Breyers are the small, pear-shaped figs that develop on last year’s wood early in the summer. They ripen ahead of the main fig crop, providing a sweet preview of the season.

The main crop of fresh figs runs from June through November. Different varieties ripen at various points over this period, which lengthens the overall fresh fig season. Some popular fresh fig types, like Brown Turkey and Sierra figs, are harvested starting in June. Others, like green and purple Kadotas, become available in July. By late summer and early fall, the full range of fresh fig varieties are ready for picking.

So while a few early fig varieties can be found starting in May, the bulk of the fresh fig harvest occurs between July and November. September is often the peak month for fresh fig production in California.

Dried Figs

The dried fig season coincides somewhat with fresh figs but extends a bit longer. Harvesting of the main dried fig crop starts in early August and runs through October. Mission, Calimyrna, and Kadota fig varieties are all grown for drying in California.

At the start of the season in August, figs are laid out on trays and allowed to sun-dry for 5-7 days. This dehydrates them, concentrating the sugars and creating the characteristic chewy texture of dried figs. The fruits are then further dried mechanically to lock in their nutrients and flavor before packaging.

Most dried fig orchards are picked multiple times over the season as figs ripen. So while the initial harvest may occur in early August, there are subsequent pickings through October to capture figs at their peak. The final dried fig harvest usually wraps up by mid-October.

Why Does California Have Such a Long Fig Season?

Several key factors allow California to supply fresh and dried figs for months on end, far longer than most other regions can.

Multiple Crops on Each Tree

California fig trees produce two full crops per year. The main crop yields most of the fruit from June-October. After they lose their leaves in winter, a smaller Breba crop grows on last year’s wood and ripens in May-June. So California fig trees provide an early summer and late summer/fall harvest off each tree every year.

Ideal Growing Conditions

As mentioned earlier, the hot, dry climate in California’s Central Valley allows figs to ripen fully and develop high natural sugar content. The irrigation infrastructure also supports growth through the rainless summer months. These ideal conditions enable fig trees to reliably produce two bountiful crops each year.

Staggered Ripening Across Varieties

There are over a dozen varieties of fresh figs grown in California, plus 3 main dried fig types. Each ripens at a slightly different time, broadening the overall harvest window. For instance, Black Missions ripen first in May-June, while other later figs like Brown Turkey aren’t ready until August-September. This variability yields fresh figs across the entire summer and dried figs from August through October.

Advanced Processing Technologies

New drying technologies like automated tray systems, continuous belt dryers, and advanced storage facilities extend the shelf life and availability of California dried figs. The controlled drying and storage conditions maintain quality well into winter and the following year.

So in essence, California owes its long fig season to consistently ideal growing conditions, multiple crops per tree, staggered ripening across many fig types, and advanced post-harvest processing. This unique combination enables California to deliver fresh and dried figs from May through November and well beyond.

When Do Figs Peak in Terms of Quality?

Although figs are harvested over many months in California, there are certain periods when their quality and flavor reach their height:

• Fresh Figs: The peak months for fresh California figs are August and September. This is when popular varieties like Brown Turkey, Sierra, and green/purple Kadotas are at their sweetest and juiciest. The weather is warm but not excessively hot, allowing for optimal sugar development.

• Dried Figs: Newly dried California figs from the early August harvest offer the highest quality in terms of texture and flavor. Their moisture content is lower than fresh figs but they are still tender and bursting with concentrated fig essence. Later dried fig harvests are excellent too, but the initial August crop is prized.

Keep in mind these are general guidelines, as weather fluctuations can shift the peak windows slightly from year to year. But in most years, August-September delivers an abundance of optimal fresh figs, while early August brings the highest quality newly dried figs.

How to Pick the Best Fresh Figs

Choosing fresh figs at their perfect ripeness is an art form. Here are a few tips for selecting the cream of the crop when figs are at their peak:

• Look for figs that smell fresh and sweet, without any sour or fermented notes. Give them a gentle squeeze to sniff their aroma.

• Choose figs that feel heavy and plump for their size, an indication of ideal ripeness and moisture content.

• The skin should be smooth and vivid in color, whether deep purple, green, yellow, or brown depending on variety.

• Ripe figs will yield slightly when pressed but shouldn’t be mushy or damp. Some softness is good, but not if they seem overripe.

• Inspect the “neck” or stem end for any cracks or punctures, signs that the figs may spoil sooner.

• Fresh figs don’t continue ripening after picking, so choose those that are perfect for that day’s use.

Follow these guidelines when California figs reach their late summer peak, and you’ll be rewarded with the most heavenly fresh fig flavor.

How Long Do Fresh Figs Last?

The shelf life of fresh figs depends on a few key factors:

• Ripeness when picked: Fully ripe figs have a shorter lifespan than less ripe ones, lasting 5-7 days versus up to 2 weeks.

• Storage method: Refrigeration at 32-36°F in a single layer extends fresh fig life to 5-14 days. At room temp, they last only 2-3 days.

• Handling: Gently transporting and minimizing bruising preserves freshness. Don’t wash until ready to eat.

• Variety: Some varieties like Brown Turkey deteriorate faster than others like Black Mission.

For best results, choose less ripe fresh figs, store them properly in the fridge, handle with care to prevent damage, and enjoy within 5-7 days. More delicate varieties may need to be eaten sooner.

Can You Freeze Fresh Figs?

Freezing is a great way to capture the flavor of fresh figs at their peak during the late summer harvest. When frozen properly, figs retain much of their texture and sweetness. Here is a simple process:

• Select ripe, undamaged fresh figs and wash gently. Allow to dry completely.

• Carefully arrange figs in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet so they are not touching.

• Place the baking sheet in the freezer overnight until figs are solidly frozen.

• Transfer frozen figs to an airtight freezer bag or container, removing any air pockets.

• Return to the freezer, where frozen figs will keep for up to 10-12 months.

To use frozen figs, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. They are excellent blended into smoothies, folded into oatmeal, or simmered into sauces. Freezing lets you preserve the California fig harvest at its peak ripeness.

How Long Do Dried Figs Last?

Thanks to their low moisture content, dried figs keep remarkably well compared to fresh figs. Properly stored, dried figs have the following shelf life:

• 1 month at room temperature

• 6-12 months in the refrigerator

• 1-2 years in the freezer

For maximum freshness, keep dried figs in an airtight container in a cool, dark cabinet or the refrigerator. If they become too dried out, a quick steam will restore pliability. With proper storage and handling, you can enjoy California dried figs year-round.

California Figs Offer Variety and Quality

As the nation’s commercial fig capital, California supplies 98% of the fresh figs and 100% of the dried figs grown in the U.S. The long California fig season stretches from May through November thanks to ideal climate conditions, multiple annual crops, and advanced post-harvest practices.

Late summer is the peak period for flavorful fresh figs, while early August brings the highest quality new crop of dried figs. Look for plump, fragrant fresh figs and select chewy, moist dried figs for the full California fig experience. With some basic handling tips, you can enjoy the impressive variety, quality, and nutrition of California figs all season long.