We live in a part of Croatia rich in fig trees and we even have one large fig in front of our house . Honestly, we take figs for granted and always somehow miss their sweet fruit although we sit underneath this particular fig tree during the whole summer and drink the first morning coffee in its shade. Andrea is more of a fig person than I am, but this year I decided to change this and use every opportunity to turn sweet Croatian figs into cakes and power bars.
For a long time, we used to organize kayaking tours on Baćina Lakes, near the city of Ploče in southern Croatia, and this part of Croatia is very famous for its high quality figs. Since we are professional photographers, we even used to cooperate with a local producer that makes all kinds of products from figs . It’s one of the most famous fig processing companies in Croatia that exports products worldwide.
Figs are also one of Croatia’s favorite fruits , deeply rooted in the country’s history, cuisine, and traditions, and this article will be all about Croatian figs because they can be enjoyed in so many various ways and they make a perfect souvenir from Croatia.
Where Do Figs Grow in Croatia? The coastal part of Croatia has a Mediterranean climate that provides the perfect conditions for fig trees to grow and thrive. The usual parts of Croatia where you can find figs are:
Dalmatian Coast and Islands – From Zadar to Dubrovnik , and on islands like Hvar, Brač, and Korčula , figs are a common sight in both private gardens as well as in wilderness.Istria – The largest peninsula in Croatia, famous for olive oil and truffles, also has excellent figs.Kvarner Region – Figs can be found particularly on the island of Krk where they have been cultivated for centuries.
Figs love the rocky terrain, abundant sunshine, and salty sea breeze , making Croatia’s coastal areas a paradise for this ancient fruit.
A Bit About Figs: Nature’s Sweet Gift How much do you know about figs? As we were doing the research for this article, we found many interesting information we ourselves didn’t know, even though we have been surrounded by figs for the whole of our lives.
Figs (lat. Ficus carica ) are among the oldest cultivated fruits and date back thousands of years. They love warm and dry climates such as in Croatia. Figs have soft, sweet flesh and tiny crunchy seeds . There are many varieties of figs , but the most common sorts of Croatian figs are:
Bjelica – A light green fig with a honey-like sweetness.Crna Vlahinja – A dark purple fig, juicy and very rich in flavor.Petrovača – Named after St. Peter’s Day (when it ripens). This fig is highly prized for its taste.
There are 800 to 1000 different species of figs in the whole world.
Fig Products in Croatia: From Tree to Table Now that we learned a bit about figs in general, it’s time to discuss what kind of products can be made out of figs. We in Croatia don’t just eat fresh figs; many people turn them into a variety of products, and many of these make perfect souvenirs. Here are some of the most popular fig-based products:
Dried Figs – The most common byproduct of fresh figs. Sun-dried and packed in decorative bundles, they are a great treat for days when you have a craving for the sweet food.Fig Cake (Smokvenjak) – A traditional energy-booster . It’s a cake made from dried figs, almonds, and rakija (brandy).Fig Marmalade – A sweet, spreadable jam perfect for breakfast.Fig Rakija – A unique fig brandy popular along the Dalmatian coast.Fig Chocolate – Mix of the Croatian Figs and chocolate. Mmmm.Fig Vinegar – A lesser-known product than the ones mentioned above. Very flavorful alternative to balsamic vinegar, usually used in salads and marinades.
Health Benefits of Figs It seems that Croatian figs are as healthy as they are sweet. Apart from being delicious , figs are also very healthy . Here’s why you should include them in your diet:
Rich in Fiber – Fiber helps better digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.Natural Energy Booster – Figs are sweet from natural sugars and as such they provide a quick energy boost.Loaded with Antioxidants – They help in fighting inflammation and support the immune system.Supports Heart Health – Heart is important. Figs contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure, which is good for this important organ.Great for Skin – Finally, vitamins and antioxidants in figs contribute to healthy and glowing skin. Everybody wants this kind of skin.
When is Fig Season in Croatia? Figs ripen from July to September , under the warm Mediterranean sun. If you visit Croatia during these months, you’ll be able to see fig trees full of ripe fruit , often growing along village roads and coastal pathways.
Many people choose to stop in the middle of the road when they see a fig by the road, and that can be quite dangerous. We almost had an accident one day after we were returning from a kayaking trip and stumbled upon a car parked in the middle of the road with hazard lights on. The guy was picking figs by the road and he didn’t care at all about the fact that his car was in the middle of the regional road in summer. You can’t do anything but smile and keep on driving. Maybe he was a fig addict.
How to Enjoy Figs in Croatia Like a Local When in Croatia, eat like a local and enjoy Croatian figs like the Croatians do. Please, just don’t overdo on rakija, especially if you are driving. Rakija connects people, but it can also disconnect you from yourself if you drink too much.
Eat them fresh – Just pick them off the tree and enjoy! Before you pick them, make sure they are not on a private property, or if they are, make sure you have the approval of the owner to pick them. Some people make their living from figs.Pair them with cheese – Try figs with Pag cheese or Istrian goat cheese for a bit different and unique combination.Dip them in dark chocolate – A favorite Croatian sweet treat.Try them in rakija – A sip of fig brandy is the perfect way to experience local traditions. Just know your limits.Bake with them – Fig tarts and cakes are a delicious way to turn fresh figs into something else and enjoy their sweetness.
Before you head in search of Croatian Figs As I was writing this article, I was looking toward the fig in front of our house a lot. Unfortunately, it’s the end of the winter in Croatia now and the fig doesn’t even have leaves on it. Now I can’t wait for summer to start to begin making some of the mentioned products out of them. I believe I will make a fig tart this summer. It sounds great. If you visit Croatia during the summer, make sure you try fig products or fresh figs. They are not the most favorite fruit in Croatia for no reason.
