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Find below the10 Premium Fig Varieties to include in your fig garden
Figs are more than just a fruit; they’re a symbol of indulgence, elegance, and timeless flavor. As a fig lover, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring countless varieties, but there are a select few that I can’t imagine living without. If you’re as obsessed with figs as I am, you’ll understand the irresistible pull of these incredible cultivars. Whether you’re a seasoned fig grower or a new enthusiast, these are the 10 premium fig varieties I can’t be happy without—each one bringing its own unique sweetness, texture, and charm. You can definitely find all these 10 premium fig varieties, and almost a thousand more fig varieties from one of my favorite fig expert, the French Fig Farm.
1. Black Madeira- the best among the 10 premium fig varieties
Flavor: Intense berry sweetness with a hint of honey
Texture: Soft, smooth, and juicy
Why I Love It: Black Madeira is a fig lover’s dream, and for good reason. Its rich, jammy texture and deep berry flavor make it one of the most sought-after varieties. The skin turns a deep purplish-black when fully ripe, and the flesh inside is a deep, luscious amber that tastes like a combination of figs, blackberries, and honey. It’s a favorite for fresh eating and preserves alike. No wonder I’m deeply hooked with this premium fig variety!
Perfect For: Jam-making, fresh eating, or pairing with cheeses and cured meats.
2. Italian 258
Flavor: Complex and sweet with a rich honeyed profile
Texture: Firm, yet tender flesh
Why I Love It: Italian 258 has a reputation for being incredibly productive, with large, sweet figs that ripen throughout the season. It’s a fig that has both substance and flavor—intensely sweet, with a delightful honey-like aftertaste. Its smooth skin gives way to a rich, almost caramel-like flesh that’s an absolute treat. No one can say no to this premium fig!
Perfect For: Baking into pastries, fresh snacking, or adding to fruit salads.
3. Bordissotte Negra Rimada
Flavor: Sweet, tangy, with a slight berry undertone
Texture: Thick, juicy, and chewy
Why I Love It: This variety is a visual and culinary delight. Bordissotte Negra Rimada features stunning striped skin in shades of green, yellow, and purple, and its flavor is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy. The dense flesh and the deep berry undertones make it a refreshing option for fig lovers seeking something just a bit different. Oh my gosh, I can’t forget its creaminess!
Perfect For: Fresh eating, fig salads, or topping off your morning yogurt.
4. Col de Dame Gigantina
Flavor: Sweet with a hint of strawberry
Texture: Soft and juicy
Why I Love It: As the name suggests, Col de Dame Gigantina produces large figs with a beautiful, almost round shape. Its flesh is sweet, juicy, and has a delightful berry flavor. This fig’s size and sweetness make it a must-have for anyone who wants a variety that can stand out in both flavor and size. It’s like eating a pancake!
Perfect For: Fresh eating, fig preserves, or pairing with chocolate.
5. Col de Dame Grise (CdD Grise)
Flavor: Light, mildly sweet with floral notes
Texture: Slightly chewy with a soft center
Why I Love It: Col de Dame Grise is a variety that offers a lighter, more delicate sweetness compared to other figs. It has subtle floral notes that make it incredibly unique and aromatic. The soft, chewy texture combined with its elegant flavor profile makes it a delightful snack during the summer months. I super love this too.
Perfect For: Fresh eating, adding to fruit compotes, or pairing with a mild cheese.
6. Col de Dame Rimada (CdD Rimada)
Flavor: Rich, with hints of honey and caramel
Texture: Firm with a soft, tender center
Why I Love It: Col de Dame Rimada has a beautiful, striped appearance and a remarkable balance of sweetness and complexity. This fig is rich with honeyed notes, and its smooth, tender flesh gives way to an indulgent eating experience. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a fig with depth and character. Uhm, so delicious!
Perfect For: Fresh desserts, charcuterie boards, or fig-based syrups.
7. Socorro Black
Flavor: Bold, sweet, and jammy with a prominent strawberry taste.
Texture: Juicy and tender
Why I Love It: Socorro Black is one of those varieties that has a serious “wow” factor when it comes to flavor. This dark purple fig is often compared to Black Madeira, and for good reason. Its flavor profile is rich, with a bold sweetness and a hint of berry jam. The texture is succulent, making it a true delight to bite into and often described as a “bag of jam” with honeyed sweetness and hints of other berries and even watermelon.
Perfect For: Baking, fresh eating, or blending into smoothies.
8. White Madeira #1- A must-have from the 10 premium fig varieties
Flavor: Lightly sweet with a mild tropical undertone
Texture: Soft and melting
Why I Love It: White Madeira #1 is one of the few green-skinned varieties that I absolutely adore. The flesh is delicate and sweet, with subtle tropical flavors that remind me of lychee or pineapple. It’s the perfect fig for those who enjoy a light, refreshing flavor profile that’s still indulgent.
Perfect For: Fruit salads, adding to desserts, or pairing with fresh goat cheese.
9. Strawberry Verte
Flavor: Sweet, with a slight tang and a strawberry-like flavor
Texture: Soft, yielding to the bite
Why I Love It: Strawberry Verte lives up to its name with a flavor that’s reminiscent of ripe strawberries—juicy, aromatic, and refreshingly sweet. Its green skin is a bit misleading, but inside, the flesh is a vibrant pink that has a subtle tanginess, making it a great option for those who want something fresh and fruity.
Perfect For: Fresh eating, smoothies, or as a topping for pancakes.
10. Adriatic JH
Flavor: Sweet, complex, with a hint of berry and figgy goodness
Texture: Tender with a slight crunch from the seeds
Why I Love It: Adriatic JH figs are a stunning combination of flavors. The sweetness is well-balanced with a hint of berry, and the texture is a perfect blend of soft and slightly crunchy. This variety is beloved for its versatility and ability to adapt to various growing conditions, making it a reliable favorite in many fig gardens.
Perfect For: Fresh eating, fig tarts, or as a snack on its own.
Why These 10 Premium Fig Varieties Are Essential to Any Fig Lover’s Garden
Each of these premium fig varieties brings something special to the table, whether it’s their striking appearance, unique flavor profile, or the joy they bring during harvest. I’ve spent years cultivating a fig garden with these beauties, and they truly never disappoint. If you’re looking to expand your fig collection, these varieties are an absolute must-have. Now you know why I can’t be happy without these 10 premium fig varieties!
Pro Tip: For optimal growth, make sure to plant your figs in well-draining soil and provide plenty of sunlight. Each variety has its own quirks, but with a bit of love and patience, they’ll reward you with a bounty of delicious fruits.
