What Is The Difference Between Turkish and Black Mission Figs?

Black Mission Figs vs. Turkish Figs: Delving into the Delights of Two Fig Varieties
In the world of figs, diversity in flavor, texture, and culinary usage abounds, but few varieties stand out quite like the Black Mission and Turkish Figs. These two types of figs are celebrated globally for their distinct tastes and versatility, but they offer different experiences to connoisseurs and casual snackers alike. Here’s an in-depth look at how these fruits compare.
Origin and History
Black Mission Figs trace their roots back to 1768, originating from the Balearic Islands in Spain and gaining prominence in California, thanks to Spanish missionaries. The dark-skinned variety flourished in the sunny climes and fertile soils of the American West, particularly in California’s mission gardens. Turkish Figs, also known as Smyrna figs, hail from the fertile regions of Turkey, a country that still dominates much of the world’s fig production. These figs enjoy the warm Mediterranean climate, which is ideal for nurturing their delicate sweetness and light, almost golden skins.

Appearance and Texture
The Black Mission Fig is renowned for its deep purple, almost black color, and boasts a shape that is typically round to slightly elongated. The skin of the Black Mission is notably thin, enveloping a succulent, deep red flesh that offers a sweet, intense flavor profile. In contrast, Turkish Figs typically exhibit a lighter, golden brown skin that houses a vibrant pink or amber flesh. They are generally larger and more bulbous than Black Mission figs, with a skin that tends to be a bit tougher, making them excellent for drying.

Flavor Profile

Flavor is where both fig types truly distinguish themselves. Black Mission Figs possess a rich, molasses-like sweetness with hints of earthiness, making them incredibly versatile in both sweet and savory culinary creations. They deliver a robust flavor that can stand up to strong cheeses and meats.

Turkish Figs are cherished for their nutty sweetness and less intense flavor compared to Black Mission figs. They exude a mild, honeyed taste that makes them a favorite for eating fresh out of hand or for incorporating into baked goods where a subtle fig presence is desired.

Culinary Uses

Culinarily, both figs are stars in their own right but shine differently depending on the preparation. Black Mission Figs are excellent in recipes where their bold flavors can be a focal point, such as in fig and blue cheese bruschetta, or when paired with prosciutto as a classic appetizer.

Turkish Figs are superb when dried, retaining their sweetness and taking on a chewy texture that enhances dishes like granolas, salads, and energy bars. Their lighter flavor also makes them ideal for blending into fig spreads and jams where their sweetness can be celebrated without overwhelming other flavors.

Nutrition and Storage

Nutritionally, both figs offer similar benefits, including being rich sources of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. However, Turkish Figs often have a slight edge in calorie content due to their higher sugar concentration, especially when dried.

When it comes to storage, Black Mission Figs are more perishable due to their softer skin and juicier interior, making them best consumed within a few days of ripening. Turkish Figs, with their tougher skin, store well when dried and can be kept for several months under proper conditions.

Conclusion

Whether you prefer the bold, rich flavors of Black Mission Figs or the sweet, nutty subtlety of Turkish Figs, each variety offers its own unique delights and uses in the kitchen. Exploring the distinctive qualities of these figs can elevate your culinary experiments, providing delightful flavors and textures that cater to a variety of palates.

Type of Figs From Adriatic to Brown Turkeys

Adriatic Figs

These figs, with their pale green to pale yellow skin, are often referred to as “white figs” due to their light coloring. In direct sunlight, they can even appear almost white. You might also find them marketed as “candy-striped figs” when they display pale green-and-white stripes on their exteriors. While their exterior is visually appealing, it’s the vibrant pink to brilliant red interior that truly captivates, offering a flavor that is exceptionally sweet, even by fig standards.

Adriatic figs are typically harvested twice a year, once in June and again in August. Their naturally super-sweet taste makes them perfect for enjoying as a straightforward fruit dessert on their own. For an added touch of elegance, top them with a dollop of crème fraîche or mascarpone cheese. They also pair wonderfully with desserts, either sliced or chopped over ice cream or mixed into plain, unsweetened yogurt—for an exceptional treat, try them with sheep’s milk yogurt.

Black Mission Figs

Black Mission figs are renowned for their extreme sweetness—so sweet, in fact, that they sometimes exude a syrupy ooze, a sure sign of their ripeness and quality when you’re choosing or purchasing them. Contrary to what their name might suggest, these figs aren’t actually black but a deep, mesmerizing shade of blue-purple that is stunning in its own right. Their interiors are a lovely shade of pink, providing a beautiful contrast. The dark color of their skin also conveniently highlights any signs of wilting or puckering, helping you to easily select the freshest figs.

Their intense sweetness makes Black Mission figs ideal for simple yet elegant desserts. They can be served plain, with yogurt, or with a tangy fresh cheese like mascarpone, fresh ricotta, fromage blanc, or farmer’s cheese. These figs also make a wonderful addition to cheese platters, can be chopped and placed atop crostini, or sliced and layered into fresh fruit tarts, offering a versatile range of culinary possibilities.

Brown Turkey Figs

Brown Turkey figs are characterized by their brownish-dark purple skin and a more subdued flavor compared to other fig varieties, making them less sweet than the closely resembling Black Mission figs. Internally, these figs feature a paler pink flesh than their counterparts.

Given their milder sweetness, Brown Turkey figs are particularly effective in dishes where their subtle flavor can shine without overpowering other ingredients. They are a fantastic addition to salads, offering a gentle sweet contrast, or in desserts that are paired with additional sweeteners. If you’re looking to whip up a dessert using only Brown Turkey figs, try drizzling them with honey and broiling them briefly until they sizzle and bubble—an easy treat that highlights their natural flavors. Additionally, these figs are excellent for baking into fig bread or turning into homemade fig jam, making them versatile for both fresh and cooked culinary applications.

Calimyrna Figs

Calimyrna figs stand out among their fig brethren due to their size and the unique hue of their skin, which ranges from a light green to a slightly golden color. The interiors of these figs are a vivid pink, creating a striking visual contrast that makes them particularly appealing.

The beautiful appearance of Calimyrna figs makes them an excellent choice for a simple, elegant presentation. Just slice them up and serve as they are to fully appreciate their visual and taste appeal. These figs are known for their distinct nutty flavor—a trait common to figs but markedly more pronounced in the Calimyrna variety. This pronounced nuttiness not only enhances their compatibility with nuts but also makes them a charming addition to relish trays and cheese or charcuterie boards. For an effortless and delightful dessert, try grilling Calimyrna figs to enhance their natural sweetness and add a smoky nuance.

Kadota Figs

Kadota figs are characterized by their light green skin and pale interiors, offering a subtler sweetness compared to other fig varieties.

While Kadota figs may not be the sweetest raw figs, they are quite enjoyable fresh. If they are the only variety available, you’ll find they can still make a delightful treat. Kadotas are particularly well-suited to cooking, making them excellent for jams and preserves due to their mild flavor which absorbs and enhances additional flavors well.

For those dealing with a batch of Kadotas that aren’t especially sweet, a small pinch of salt can enhance their natural sweetness, appealing to those who enjoy a salty-sweet flavor profile. This makes them a superb addition to salads—try chopping them and mixing them into the dressing before combining with greens or other ingredients. Kadota figs also work wonderfully as a topping on a fig and arugula pizza, where their flavor complements the peppery arugula and savory pizza base.