Fig

Ficus carica Fruit

Fig Fruit

At a Glance

  • Category Fruit

The Forktionary Angle

"Ancient Delicacy"

Definition

A sweet, pear-shaped fruit, often dried, prized for its unique texture and mild, honeyed flavor, commonly used in desserts and savory dishes.

Ancient Cultivation Cultivated for over 11,000 years, making it one of the oldest known domesticated fruits.
Dried Usage Rate Over 90% of global fig production is consumed as dried fruit.
Unique Pollination Pollinated exclusively by the fig wasp, a symbiotic relationship essential for reproduction.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Fig are:

Sweet honeyed earthy slightly jammy

Chef’s Secret

Roasting fresh figs with a drizzle of honey and a sprig of thyme intensifies their sweetness and adds a beautiful aromatic complexity, perfect for a cheese board or dessert.

Best Substitutes

Dates

for sweetness and chewiness
Ratio 1:1

Prunes

for texture in baking
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Choose soft, plump figs with intact skin. Avoid bruised or shriveled ones. Store at room temperature for 1-2 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Recipes Using Fig

Cheese Main Ingredient Vegetables Eggs Dairy

Baked Goat Cheese Caramelized Onion Garlic And Figs

This warm appetizer, adapted from a Food Network favorite, is a delightful blend of creamy goat cheese, sweet caramelized onions and figs, and fragrant garlic and rosemary. Perfect for a party or a cozy night in! Impress your guests with this easy-to-make, yet elegant dish.

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Meat Low In Something Pork Loins For 1 Or 2

Apple And Fig Pork Loin Roast

A mouthwatering Apple & Fig Pork Loin Roast recipe! This succulent roast features tender pork loin perfectly complemented by sweet apples and figs. Easy to follow instructions guide you to a delicious, impressive meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Impress your friends and family with this fall-inspired flavor explosion!

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Low Sodium To Go Oven Finger Food

Apricot Fig Thumbprint Cookies

Delight your family with these irresistible Apricot Fig Thumbprint Cookies! Fun and easy to make, even the kids can join in on the baking fun. The sweet and nutty filling perfectly complements the buttery, melt-in-your-mouth cookie base. A perfect treat for any occasion!

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Preparation Kid Friendly Course Breakfast

Apricot Fig And Yogurt Swirl

Indulge in this exquisite Apricot Fig & Yogurt Swirl dessert! This recipe, inspired by a vintage cookbook, creates a harmonious blend of sweet apricots and figs, complemented by the creamy tang of strained yogurt. A simple yet elegant treat perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight indulgence.

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Easy 5 Ingredients Or Less Course Berries

Baked Figs In Port

Indulge in the sweet decadence of baked figs! This recipe transforms fresh figs into a luxurious dessert, perfectly complemented by rich port wine, a drizzle of honey, and a sprinkle of raspberries. Easy to make and incredibly flavorful, this recipe is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a special treat. Adapted from a Chicago Sun-Times recipe.

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Preparation Beef Main Ingredient Fruit

Beef Curry With Fruit

Prepare for a flavor explosion! This unexpected Beef Curry combines succulent beef cubes with a vibrant mix of sweet and savory tropical fruits. My sister-in-law's secret recipe was a revelation – ingredients you wouldn't believe work together, creating a surprisingly delicious and unforgettable curry. This slow-cooked masterpiece is perfect for a cozy night in or impressing your guests with its unique and delicious flavors.

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Dietary Quick Breads Time To Make 3 Steps Or Less

Add Ins Bread

This versatile banana bread recipe, sourced from a cherished Firebaugh, California church cookbook, is a family favorite! It's incredibly adaptable—use your favorite mix-ins to create a unique loaf every time. Our go-to version features perfectly moist banana bread with irresistible flavor. Get ready to bake up a batch of deliciousness!

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Healthy Course Main Ingredient 4 Hours Or Less

Apple Cobbler With Poached Dried Figs

Warm up your winter with Russo's Market's irresistible Apple Cobbler featuring tender poached dried figs! This cozy, elevated twist on a classic dessert combines the sweetness of apples with the rich depth of figs poached in red wine and honey. A buttery, crunchy granola topping completes this unforgettable treat. Perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.

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Quick Breads 30 Minutes Or Less Cuisine Preparation

Almond Muffins With Gooey Fig Center

Indulge in these decadent Almond Muffins with Gooey Fig Center, a recipe from renowned San Francisco chef Melissa Perello! These irresistible muffins boast a perfectly moist almond crumb, bursting with a sweet and intensely flavorful fig center. A delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. Get ready for a taste of pure culinary bliss!

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Brunch Brunch European Time To Make

Drunken Fig Jam

Indulge in the decadent sweetness of our Drunken Fig Jam, a recipe inspired by Bon Appétit (October 2008). This boozy spread, perfect for cheese boards or as a luxurious topping for your favorite desserts, combines ripe figs with fragrant lemon and a kick of brandy. Makes about six 1/2-pint jars. Prepare to be amazed!

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Low In Something Greek Served Cold Preparation

Baklava Ice Cream With Honey Poached Figs

Indulge in the ultimate dessert fusion! This Baklava Ice Cream with Honey-Poached Figs recipe combines the crispy, nutty delight of baklava with the creamy coolness of homemade ice cream and the sweet, tangy perfection of honey-poached figs. It's a show-stopping dessert that's surprisingly easier to make than you think! Enjoy the ice cream on its own or elevate it with the irresistible figs – either way, it's pure bliss.

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Healthy 2 Course Desserts Low Cholesterol

Baked Figs With Honey And Whiskey Sauce

Indulge in a sophisticated and surprisingly simple dessert! These baked figs are elevated with a luscious honey-scotch whiskey sauce and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. A light yet decadent treat perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a quiet evening. This recipe is easy to follow and delivers an unforgettable flavor combination.

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15 Minutes Or Less 3 Steps Or Less Number Of Servings Time To Make

Banana Cereal For Daniel Fast

Start your Daniel Fast day with this quick and delicious banana cereal! This simple recipe is perfect for a healthy and satisfying breakfast that aligns with the Daniel Fast guidelines. Enjoy a naturally sweet and filling meal in just minutes.

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Fruit Low Calorie 30 Minutes Or Less Fruit

Baked Apples Stuffed With Figs And Hazelnuts

A deliciously healthy dessert! Sweet and nutty baked apples, brimming with juicy figs and crunchy hazelnuts, topped with a zesty lemon glaze. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate autumn treat. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.

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Low Calorie 4 Hours Or Less Dietary Low Carb

A To Z Bread

This incredibly versatile and moist bread is a delicious way to use up leftover frozen berries! Packed with flavor and easy to customize, A to Z Berry Bread is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Make it your own by adding your favorite mix of frozen fruits, nuts, and spices.

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Low Protein 3 Steps Or Less Easy Preparation

Black Olive And Fig Tapenade

Elevate your appetizer game with this vibrant Black Olive & Fig Tapenade! A delicious twist on a classic Spanish tapa, this recipe combines the briny saltiness of Kalamata olives with the sweet richness of figs for an unforgettable flavor explosion. Perfect for serving on crusty bread, crackers, or even as a gourmet pizza topping. Easy to make in under 15 minutes!

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Occasion Preparation Equipment Desserts

Almond And Fig Filling

Indulge in the irresistible aroma of this luscious almond and fig filling! Perfect for pastries, cakes, or even just spooning straight from the bowl, this easy 20-minute recipe creates a heavenly spread that will tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to experience pure bliss!

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Dietary Dietary Number Of Servings Kid Friendly

Scrumptious Fig Squares

Prepare to be amazed! These Scrumptious Fig Squares are a gourmet twist on classic Fig Newtons. Bursting with the rich flavor of homemade fig jam nestled in a buttery, flaky crust, they're unbelievably delicious and surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for dessert, tea time, or a special occasion.

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