Dried figs: children of the sun with depth and tradition

Question: What do you associate with figs?

If you can't think of too many, you're probably like most people in this country. Because the fig is perhaps the most underestimated fruit in Central Europe. The German name doesn't make it any better - because "cowardice" is certainly not one of its characteristics. It's high time to finally bring this delicacy into the limelight. Come along and find out why.

Anna Moscagiuri

18.04.2024

in Product stories

Reading time: 5 minutes

Feigenbäume wachsen auf hügeligem Terrain mit Blick auf eine bergige Landschaft im Hintergrund.

The living heritage for generations

The fig is one of the oldest cultivated plants in Europe and has been at the forefront since at least the Old Testament: Adam and Eve cover themselves with a fig leaf, and in many stories it is a symbol of peace and prosperity. One reason could be that a single fig tree can feed entire generations - after all, a lifespan of 90 years is not uncommon for these natural wonders. So if you plant a fig tree, you have a good chance of providing your great-great-grandchildren with the valuable fruit.

Fabulously Mediterranean

Figs have excellent climatic conditions in the Near East. We found the juiciest and tastiest fruits in Turkey - more precisely in the mountainous regions of Aydin, which border the Aegean Sea. Mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers with hardly any rainfall make this picturesque region a Mediterranean fruit and vegetable garden. In addition to figs, many other fruits such as olives, grapes and apricots revel in green bliss and create flavors that are only possible in such perfect locations.

At the peak of taste

In Aydin, figs thrive in small-scale farming structures under challenging conditions. Due to the high altitude in the mountains, the growing conditions are very challenging and labor-intensive. But the effort is worth it: the fruit ripens a little more slowly this high up and ends up with an even better and more intense flavor. However, there is a lot of work to be done beforehand. Because when September heralds the harvest time, the careful picking of these delicious fruits begins - by hand, in the middle of the mountain slopes, fruit by fruit.

Feigen hängen an einem Ast, umgeben von grünen Blättern, unter strahlend blauem Himmel.

Sun drying at its finest

It takes around 75 days from pollination to harvest. The ripe fruits are velvety-soft and juicy-sweet, a dark color is a sign of full ripeness. Immediately after picking, they are dried on the spot - in the blazing sun of the mountainous fields. To prevent birds from coming by at night to snack on them, the fruit is covered with tarpaulins as soon as the sun disappears behind the horizon. There is no better way to dry fruit - even preservatives become superfluous.

The 750 identities of the fig

Although the term "fig tree" is commonly used, there is actually no such thing. In reality, over 750 different types of figs are known: pear-shaped, oval, round with yellow, green or purple skin - some figs are so original that you wouldn't recognize them as such at first glance. Not to mention the different leaves. But all varieties have one thing in common: the trees are either male or female. The distinction is relatively simple and recognizable at first bite.

Sweet females and jammy males

The female figs have a pleasant, natural sweetness and are therefore served either fresh or as dried fruit. The fruits of the male figs are usually made into jam, as they are somewhat more bitter and often need a nudge of extra sugar. Good thing the fig wasp doesn't care. It rummages through both sexes and brings the male pollen to the female target.

Personen sortieren Feigen auf Förderband in einer Fabrikumgebung mit Kisten im Hintergrund.

Refined fig finish

After natural drying under the Aydin sun, the figs are taken to the region's processing plants. There, the figs are first thoroughly washed and then dried again - this time in a so-called drying tunnel. The fruit is then sorted according to size; we at Seeberger prefer particularly fleshy specimens. The dried figs are then carefully examined at various stations, supported by the latest technology and sharp eyes. Among other things, they pass through a darkroom with UV light, a laser sorter and a final inspection by hand by trained employees.

Seeberger is looking for the super fig

We know what makes really good figs and make sure that we only get the best ones. The most important criteria are visible at first glance: the size and color of the fruit - the bigger and darker, the better for us. Another factor is the taste, because Seeberger figs are unmistakably fruity and sweet.

Double check from the Ultra team

Dried figs are even more sensitive than other dried fruits due to their delicate consistency. That's why our local partner goes the extra mile when it comes to quality control: an experienced quality team of 10 employees rigorously and painstakingly checks what happens to the fruit and which specimens go on sale. As soon as the goods arrive in Ulm, we check them again in our in-house food chemistry laboratory. Then it really is clear sailing for the bravest of figs!

Feigen wachsen an einem Zweig, umgeben von unscharfen, grünen Blättern.

Fairness in a bag

Every Seeberger pack contains an inimitably valuable piece of nature. It is clear to us that the balance between taking and giving must be right. That means for us:

We treat natural resources with respect and conserve them wherever we can: The fig trees in Turkey grow freely on the mountain slopes and have a natural water supply. Artificial irrigation is therefore not an issue. And when the fig trees complete their life cycle, their heating energy warms the homes of the surrounding population.
We create good living and working conditions for our local partners. The cooperation with our local fig suppliers is now in its third generation. It is binding for both sides, trusting and a community of equals. Our goals extend far into the future and have a foundation that cannot be paid for with money: shared values that are lived out in full respect for people and nature.

Your grandiose pleasure with good knowledge

You are what you eat. So it's only logical for us to show you how and where your snacks are made. But enough talk, where are the stars? Grab your velvety-sweet figs from the Turkish sun. Guaranteed from a good home and grown with love. <3