California's fresh fig season is officially on

Cool weather delayed the 2025 California fresh fig season, but now the leading producer in the United States is officially in harvest mode.

In a press release, the California Fresh Fig Growers Association (CFFGA) explained that, thanks to an increase in planted acres, this year consumers can expect plenty of fruit to last well into the fall. But this year's California figs not only come in large quantities, but also in high quality. Karla Stockli, CFFGA's Chief Executive Officer, said this year's crop benefited from the mild weather and the absence of extreme heat, resulting in fruit with good size and flavor. 

Stockli says that increased farm and labor costs might push prices up slightly, and while a larger planted acreage might offset the price hike, she notes the industry expects yearly production to remain steady at 10 million pounds.

As to the reason behind higher fig prices this season, the expert points to "a number of older orchards that are reaching the end of their useful life, along with water restrictions in California, which are causing the older trees to be pulled out."

Emerald fig. Photo courtesy of California Fig Growers Association

This season also comes with some novelties. The CFFGA invited Americans to look out for Emerald, a new fig variety hitting the shelves. The CCO said the green, creamy fruit has a crème brulee-like flavor and should be paired with foods that have "a more fruity or sweeter flavor profile." Emerald is joining California's proud list of fig varieties, which includes Mission, Brown Turkey, Sierra, and Tiger. 

As for supply, "Mission and Brown Turkey will continue to provide the bulk of the fresh production; Sierra and Tiger should be steady, and Emerald volume will be much higher than last year," Stockli said.

California fig supplies are said to last through November.

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