California fig growers expect the main crop to follow the successful breba crop, which delivered the first Mission figs of the season in May and June. All varieties are available from July through November, with the industry expecting a crop comparable to last year’s harvest of nearly 10 million pounds, according to the California Fig Advisory Board of Madera, CA.
Nearly all commercial figs in California are grown in the Central San Joaquin Valley with most orchards concentrated in and around Madera, Fresno and Merced.
While California fresh figs are available seasonally, California dried figs remain available year-round and can be used in salads, sandwiches, pizzas, sauces, and baked goods.
The Emerald, introduced commercially in 2025, has quickly become established in the market. Similar in shape, color, and flavor to the Calimyrna, which is no longer grown in California, Emerald has a creamy, crème brûlée-like flavor profile and is self-pollinating, as are all commercially grown California figs.
California produces five main fresh fig varieties. Brown Turkey has light purple to black skin with a balanced flavor, Emerald has light green skin with a creamy, crème brûlée-like flavor, Mission has purple to black skin with a deep, earthy flavor, Sierra has light-colored skin with a fresh, sweet flavor, and Tiger has light yellow skin with dark green stripes and a bright red-purple interior with raspberry-citrus notes.