From Ancient Cultures to My Grandparents’ Table: The Timeless Journey of Figs
by Stefanie Michaels
As a kid, Thanksgiving wasn’t just turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. For my family, it was about the small fig on each bread plate—a quiet, thoughtful gesture that spoke volumes about our roots. My fig story begins with My grandparents. They started this tradition long before I was born. To them, the fig wasn’t just fruit; it symbolized abundance, connection, and a little piece of Italy brought to our table.
I can still picture my grandfather, with his weathered hands, carefully plucking figs from the tree in his backyard. The tree was his pride and joy, its branches heavy with ripe fruit in late summer and fall. As kids, we’d dart around the yard, laughing and playing, while he’d call us over to taste the sweet, earthy treat fresh from the tree.
That fig became a quiet gift on Thanksgiving—a reminder of our heritage and the love woven into our family. My grandmother would place it gently on each plate, her smile warm and knowing. As we sat down to dinner, she’d say, “A taste of where we come from, so we never forget.”
Now, as an adult, I can’t look at a fig without being transported back to those golden days in my grandparents’ backyard. The fig on the Thanksgiving table remains a cherished tradition, grounding me in my family’s roots and filling my heart with gratitude for my childhood memories and my grandparents’ love.
Where can you find figs this time of year?Fresh figs are typically in season in California from mid-May through November, with availability varying slightly by variety.
California Figs As Thanksgiving falls in late November, you may still find fresh figs at local grocery stores or farmers’ markets, though they might be less abundant.
If fresh figs are scarce, dried figs are a great alternative and are available year-round.
California Figs They can be used in various dishes, from salads to desserts, and offer a concentrated sweetness that complements many holiday recipes.
In Pacific Palisades, California, consider checking local markets such as the Pacific Palisades Farmers’ Market or nearby grocery stores like Gelson’s Market for fresh figs. For dried figs, most supermarkets and specialty food stores in the area should have them in stock.
Across the rest of the United States, fresh figs for Thanksgiving can often be found at:
- Specialty Grocery Stores:
- Stores like Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market frequently carry fresh figs during their season.
- Call ahead to confirm availability, as the season may be nearing its end in late November.
- Farmers’ Markets:
- Many local farmers’ markets in states with warm climates (e.g., California, Arizona, Texas) may have late-season figs.
- In cooler regions, check markets that source produce from warmer states.
- Supermarkets:
- Large chains like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix may carry fresh figs in the produce section.
- Dried figs are available year-round in the snack or dried fruit aisle.
- Online Grocers:
- Depending on availability, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or specialty sites like Melissa’s Produce often ship fresh figs.
- Dried figs can be found on platforms like Nuts.com or Thrive Market for quick delivery.
- Local Italian or Mediterranean Stores:
- These stores often carry fresh and dried figs, which are staples in Mediterranean cuisines.
TIPS: For areas where fresh figs are unavailable, dried figs are an excellent substitute and can be softened in warm water for recipes or served as is for a touch of natural sweetness.
Did you know?
Here’s a fascinating fact about figs: They aren’t actually fruits but inverted flowers!
A fig is a syconium, a fleshy structure housing many tiny flowers. When you eat a fig, you’re technically eating hundreds of small flowers turned into seeds and pulp. The fig’s unique pollination process involves a tiny wasp species (specific to each type of fig), which enters the fig to lay eggs and help pollinate it. The process is so intricate that it symbolizes a symbiotic relationship in nature.
Thankfully, commercially grown figs (like most you’ll find in stores) are often self-pollinating varieties, so no wasps are involved.
A little history:
Figs are one of the oldest cultivated plants in human history, with evidence of their cultivation dating back over 11,000 years in the Near East. Native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, figs played a significant role in the diets and cultures of ancient civilizations. They were a staple food for the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, valued for their natural sweetness, nutritional benefits, and long shelf life when dried.
In ancient Greece, figs were considered sacred and associated with fertility and prosperity; in Rome, they symbolized peace and abundance. Figs also appear in religious texts, from the Bible to the Quran, signifying their importance across cultures.
Over time, fig cultivation spread worldwide, and they remain a symbol of heritage, connection to the land, and simple luxury in many cuisines today.
