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Ramps
The wild ramp, AKA wild leek, botanical name Allium tricoccum, is a flowering perennial plant that grows in clusters. It is a member of the Allium family along with onions and leeks
Calamondin Limes
The Calamondin lime is a cross between a sour, loose skinned mandarin and a kumquat, therefore technically making it an orangequat.
Salanova® Lettuces
Salanova® lettuce is a full-sized variety developed for the baby lettuce market. Botanically these varieties are scientifically known as Lactuca sativa.
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Black Mission fig "fruit" has a tough peel (in this case, green giving way to deep purple), often cracking near the stem end upon ripeness, and exposing the pulp beneath. The soft creamy white interior contains a seed mass bound with jelly-like flesh. The edible seeds are numerous and generally hollow, unless pollinated. Pollinated seeds provide the characteristic nutty taste of dried figs.
Black figs are available in early spring through early winter. Beginning in winter, night temperatures drop causing a change in the fruit's texture and the fig is no longer at its best for culinary use. The interior of the fig becomes woody and dry, and the seeds begin to separate from the flesh.
Figs grow on the Ficus tree (Ficus carica), which is a member of the Mulberry family. There are almost two hundred cultivars of figs, thus they grow in a wide range of shapes, colors and textures. The common fig bears a first crop, called the breba crop, in the spring on last season's growth. The second crop is born in the fall on the new growth and is known as the main crop. Figs are botanically an inverted flower. Each fig is not a single fruit, but nearly fifteen hundred tiny fruits. Figs made their first commercial product appearance with the 1892 introduction of Fig Newtons® Cookies.
When Black Mission Figs are blended with savory ingredients, such as salt, cocoa and spices, figs can produce a “meaty” flavor that has a smoky, almost steak-like aroma and taste. Chop fresh figs and thyme, then fold into olive oil-based cake batter and bake. Whip blue cheese and heavy cream, the pipe into halved figs, top with toasted hazelnuts and serve as an appetizer. Saute roasted beets and quartered figs in honey and balsamic vinegar, then toss with arugula and serve as a salad. Top puff pastry dough with crumbled goat cheese, chopped or halved figs and sliced prosciutto, then bake into a tart. To store, lay figs on paper towels; cover with plastic; refrigerate no more than three days. Use ripe figs immediately.
Figs are one of the very first plants to be cultivated by humans. They have been documented throughout history as a food source for over 11,000 years. They were first cultivated in ancient Egypt though they are believed to be indigenous to western Asia. They still have a huge presence in northern Africa and throughout the eastern Mediterranean, specifically Greece and Turkey. They have been naturalized in the western Mediterranean and throughout temperate regions of the United States, primarily Southern California. The Black Mission Fig is native to the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of Spain in the western Mediterranean Sea. Spaniards brought the fig to America in 1520. The (California) Mission fig received its given name in honor of the missionary fathers - priests at Mission San Diego, who originally planted figs in California in 1769. In the late 1880s, fig orchards covered much of the area within the city limits of Fresno, the heart of the central San Joaquin Valley, the largest agricultural sector of California. Figs require full sun all day to ripen palatable fruits. Cold springs and cloudy summers can lead to a dismal fig season.
Recipes that include Black Mission Figs. One
is
easiest, three is harder.
People have shared Black Mission Figs using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
| Food Buzz: History of Figs | Listen |
| Food Fable: Figs | Listen |
Description/Taste
Black Mission fig "fruit" has a tough peel (in this case, green giving way to deep purple), often cracking near the stem end upon ripeness, and exposing the pulp beneath. The soft creamy white interior contains a seed mass bound with jelly-like flesh. The edible seeds are numerous and generally hollow, unless pollinated. Pollinated seeds provide the characteristic nutty taste of dried figs.
Seasons/Availability
Black figs are available in early spring through early winter. Beginning in winter, night temperatures drop causing a change in the fruit's texture and the fig is no longer at its best for culinary use. The interior of the fig becomes woody and dry, and the seeds begin to separate from the flesh.
Current Facts
Figs grow on the Ficus tree (Ficus carica), which is a member of the Mulberry family. There are almost two hundred cultivars of figs, thus they grow in a wide range of shapes, colors and textures. The common fig bears a first crop, called the breba crop, in the spring on last season's growth. The second crop is born in the fall on the new growth and is known as the main crop. Figs are botanically an inverted flower. Each fig is not a single fruit, but nearly fifteen hundred tiny fruits. Figs made their first commercial product appearance with the 1892 introduction of Fig Newtons® Cookies.
Applications
When Black Mission Figs are blended with savory ingredients, such as salt, cocoa and spices, figs can produce a “meaty” flavor that has a smoky, almost steak-like aroma and taste. Chop fresh figs and thyme, then fold into olive oil-based cake batter and bake. Whip blue cheese and heavy cream, the pipe into halved figs, top with toasted hazelnuts and serve as an appetizer. Saute roasted beets and quartered figs in honey and balsamic vinegar, then toss with arugula and serve as a salad. Top puff pastry dough with crumbled goat cheese, chopped or halved figs and sliced prosciutto, then bake into a tart. To store, lay figs on paper towels; cover with plastic; refrigerate no more than three days. Use ripe figs immediately.
Geography/History
Figs are one of the very first plants to be cultivated by humans. They have been documented throughout history as a food source for over 11,000 years. They were first cultivated in ancient Egypt though they are believed to be indigenous to western Asia. They still have a huge presence in northern Africa and throughout the eastern Mediterranean, specifically Greece and Turkey. They have been naturalized in the western Mediterranean and throughout temperate regions of the United States, primarily Southern California. The Black Mission Fig is native to the Balearic Islands, an archipelago of Spain in the western Mediterranean Sea. Spaniards brought the fig to America in 1520. The (California) Mission fig received its given name in honor of the missionary fathers - priests at Mission San Diego, who originally planted figs in California in 1769. In the late 1880s, fig orchards covered much of the area within the city limits of Fresno, the heart of the central San Joaquin Valley, the largest agricultural sector of California. Figs require full sun all day to ripen palatable fruits. Cold springs and cloudy summers can lead to a dismal fig season.
Recipe Ideas
Recipes that include Black Mission Figs. One
is
easiest, three is harder.Recently Shared
People have shared Black Mission Figs using the Specialty Produce app for iPhone and Android.
Produce Sharing allows you to share your produce discoveries with your neighbors and the world! Is your market carrying green dragon apples? Is a chef doing things with shaved fennel that are out of this world? Pinpoint your location annonymously through the Specialty Produce App and let others know about unique flavors that are around them.
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Little Italy Mercato
Juan - Heritage Family Farms
Near San Diego, California, United States760-741-8471 About 50 days ago, 11/30/19 Sharer's comments : Juan the man. 
I Formaggi Al Mercato Centrale
Near Florence, Tuscany, ItalyAbout 96 days ago, 10/15/19 
Specialty Produce
Anne Atkins
Near San Diego, California, United States4113 N Mission Rd Fallbrook CA 92028 1-760-216-2016 About 132 days ago, 9/09/19 Sharer's comments : Beautiful black beauty figs from fallbrook! 
Your Dekalb Farmers Market
Deklab Farmers Market
Near Scottdale, Georgia, United States3000 Ponce de Leon Ave Decatur Georgia 30031 404-377-6400 https://www.dekalbfarmersmarket.com About 149 days ago, 8/23/19 Sharer's comments : Black mission figs fresh - here at Your Dekalb Farmers Market near Atlanta .. 
Sasoun Produce
Near West Hollywood, California, United StatesAbout 153 days ago, 8/19/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 165 days ago, 8/07/19 Sharer's comments : Delicious Black Mission Figs from Murray Family Farms coming to San Diego 
Οργανισμός Κεντρικών Αγορών & Αλιείας ΑΕ
Lalas S.A
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceCentral market of Athens M 18-20 002104826243 About 166 days ago, 8/06/19 Sharer's comments : Black figs 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Murray family farms
Near Santa Monica, California, United StatesAbout 169 days ago, 8/03/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 172 days ago, 7/31/19 Sharer's comments : Black Mission Figs from Pudwill Farms 
Woodlands
Woodlands Market
Near Belvedere Tiburon, California, United States1550 Tiburon Blvd Tiburon CA 84920 415-435-2822 About 181 days ago, 7/22/19 
Luke's Local
Luke’s Local
Near San Francisco, California, United States960 Cole Street San Francisco CA 94117 415-742-4207 About 191 days ago, 7/12/19 
Gus’s Community Market
Gus’s Community Market
Near San Francisco, California, United States2111 Harrison Street San Francisco CA 94110 415-431-9300 About 191 days ago, 7/12/19 
Hawthorne Market
Hawthorne Market
Near Rolling Hills Estates, California, United States24202 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance CA 90505 310-373-4448 About 204 days ago, 6/29/19 
Jordan Market
Jordan Market - Westwood Blvd
Near Sawtelle, California, United States1449 Westwood Blvd. Los Angeles CA 90024 310-478-1706 About 205 days ago, 6/28/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Jimmy Pudwill
Near Santa Monica, California, United States805-720-2399 About 207 days ago, 6/26/19 Sharer's comments : Black mission figs in from Pudwill Farms. 
Central market of Athens Greece
Near Athens, Attiki, GreeceAbout 208 days ago, 6/25/19 Sharer's comments : Figs ☘️ 
Specialty Produce
Specialty
Near San Diego, California, United States619-295-3172 About 209 days ago, 6/24/19 Sharer's comments : Fig season begins! 
Brentwood Farmers market
Arnett Farms
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesAbout 210 days ago, 6/23/19 
Irvine Ranch Market
Irvine Ranch Market
Near Irvine-Mesa, California, United States2651 Irvine Ave. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-631-4404 About 212 days ago, 6/21/19 Sharer's comments : Very nice 
Mother's Market & Kitchen
Mother’s Market & Kitchen
Near Costa Mesa, California, United States1890 Newport Blvd. Costa Mesa CA 92627 949-631-4741 About 212 days ago, 6/21/19 
Santa Monica Farmers Market
Specialty
Near Santa Monica, California, United States619-295-3172 About 214 days ago, 6/19/19 Sharer's comments : Figs making an appearance 
Brentwood Farmers' Market
Arnett Farms
Near Sawtelle, California, United StatesFresno, Ca About 525 days ago, 8/12/18 Sharer's comments : Black Mission Figs spotted at Brentwood Farmers' Market. 
Virginia Park Farmer's Market
Fresno Evergreen
Near Santa Monica, California, United States559-930-0815 About 575 days ago, 6/23/18 Sharer's comments : Black Mission Figs spotted at Virginia Park Farmer's Market. Early figs. |
