Dried Figs: Sun Children with Depth and Tradition

Question: What do you associate with figs?

If not much comes to mind, you're probably like most people around here. Because the fig is perhaps the most underrated fruit in Central Europe. The German name doesn't help – as "Feigheit" (cowardice) is certainly not one of its characteristics. High time to finally bring this delicacy into the spotlight. Come along and understand why.

Anna Moscagiuri

18.04.2024

in #Produkt-Stories

Lesedauer: 5 Minuten

A Living Legacy for Generations

The fig is one of Europe's oldest cultivated plants 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's a symbol of peace and prosperity. One reason could be that a single fig tree can feed entire generations – because a lifespan of 90 years is not uncommon for these natural wonders. So, whoever plants a fig tree has a good chance of providing their great-great-grandchildren with these valuable fruits.

Fabulously Mediterranean

Figs have excellent climatic conditions in Western Asia. We found the juiciest and most flavorful fruits in Turkey – more specifically in the mountainous regions of Aydin bordering the Aegean Sea. Mild, humid winters and hot, dry summers with hardly any rainfall make this picturesque region a Mediterranean fruit and vegetable garden. There, alongside figs, many other fruits like olives, grapes, and apricots revel in green bliss, creating flavors only possible in such perfect locations.

At the Peak of Flavor

In Aydin, figs flourish under small-scale farming conditions that are both challenging and labor-intensive due to the high altitude in the mountains. The difficult growing conditions are worth the effort: at such heights, the fruits ripen more slowly, resulting in a richer and more intense flavor. However, before that, there's a ton of work to be done. When September signals the start of the harvest season, the careful picking of these delicious fruits begins – by hand, on the mountain slopes, one fruit at a time.

Sun-Drying at Its Finest

From pollination to harvest, about 75 days pass. The ripe fruits are velvety-soft and juicy-sweet, with a dark coloration signaling full ripeness. Right after picking, they're immediately dried on the spot – in the blazing sun of the mountainous fields. To prevent birds from snacking at night, the fruits are covered with tarps as soon as the sun sets behind the horizon. This is as authentic as fruit drying gets – as such, even preservatives are unnecessary.

The 750 Identities of the Fig

While people commonly talk about "the fig tree," it doesn't really exist as such. In reality, over 750 different species of figs are known: pear-shaped, oval, round with yellow, green, or purple skin – some figs are so unique you wouldn't recognize them as figs at first glance. Not to mention the variety of leaves. But all varieties have one thing in common: The trees are either male or female. The distinction is relatively simple and noticeable on the first bite.

Sweet Females and Jam-Making Males

Female figs have a pleasant, natural sweetness and therefore come to the table either fresh or as dried fruits. The fruits of male figs are usually made into jam, as they're a bit more bitter and often appreciate a touch of extra sugar. Good thing the fig wasp doesn't care. It buzzes around both genders, bringing the male pollen to its female destination.

Sophisticated Fig Finishing

After natural drying under the Aydin sun, it's off to the region's processing facilities. There, the figs are thoroughly washed and then dried again – this time in a so-called drying tunnel. Afterward, the fruits are sorted by size; at Seeberger, we prefer particularly fleshy specimens. Then, the now fully dried figs are carefully examined – at various stations, supported by cutting-edge technology and sharp eyes. Among other things, they pass through a dark chamber with UV light, a laser sorter, and undergo final inspection by hand from trained staff.

Seeberger Seeks the Super Fig

We know what makes truly good figs, and we make sure only the best make it into our bags. The most important criteria are visible at first glance: the size and color of the fruits – the bigger and darker, the better for us. Another factor is taste, as Seeberger figs are unmistakably fruity-sweet.

Double-Check by the Ultra Team

Due to their delicate consistency, dried figs are even more sensitive than other dried fruits. That's why our on-site partner goes the extra mile in quality control: An experienced quality team of 10 staff members meticulously inspects the fruits, deciding which ones are fit for sale. As soon as the goods arrive at our place in Ulm, we check them again in our in-house food chemistry lab. Only then do we give the green light for the bravest figs to hit the shelves.

Fairness in Every Bag

Every Seeberger pack contains an irreplaceably valuable piece of nature. It is our task to strike the right balance between taking and giving. This means:

We treat natural resources with respect and conserve them wherever possible: The fig trees in Turkey grow freely on mountain slopes and rely on natural water sources. Artificial irrigation is not necessary. And when the fig trees reach the end of their life cycle, their wood is used to heat the homes of the surrounding community.
We ensure good living and working conditions for our partners on-site. Our cooperation with our fig suppliers is now in its third generation. It’s a binding, trustful partnership built on mutual respect. Our goals stretch far into the future, grounded in something money can’t buy: shared values rooted in deep respect for people and nature.

Enjoyment with a Clear Conscience

You are what you eat. As such, it only makes sense for us to show you how and where your snacks come to life. But enough talk – where are the stars? Grab your velvety-sweet figs from the Turkish sun. Guaranteed from a good home and raised with love. <3

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Collection: Dried Figs: Sun Children with Depth and Tradition