Favorite Italian Fig Recipes

Fall is here and I am so excited because it is finally fig harvesting time! I have been watching with anticipation as the fruit on my fig tree is now large enough to harvest. And I better hurry before the bees more in to devour all the fruit before I do.

If you do not have a fig tree growing in your yard, I strongly suggest you plant one. They are one of the easiest fruit trees to grow and the bounty of fruit they produce is extraordinary! I always joke that when the apocalypse comes, I am taking my fig tree with me. Fig trees are known for their ability to thrive in various conditions and can grow in a wide range of climates. This makes them a good choice for an "apocalyptic" scenario where food sources might be scarce.

The Italians have always realized the importance of the fig tree and the bounty it could supply. Fig trees ae prevalent in Italy.  Most Italians have a few fig trees in their gardens. As Italian Americans migrated to American in late 19^th and 20^th century, many brought a cutting of their family’s fig tree with them to remind them of their homeland. For many Italian Americans, fig trees are cherished heirlooms passed down through generations, creating a living link to their grandparents and parents.

The Italians also know what to do with a fig when it comes to cooking! Here are some of my favorite Italian recipes featuring the fig!

Cucidati - Fig Cookies

Italian Baked Figs

Fig Balsamic Walnut Flatbread

Bacon, Blue Cheese & Fig Bruschetta

Figs-in-a-Blanket With Goat Cheese

Italia Pizza with Prosciutto and Figs

Fig Crostata

Arugula with Brûléed Figs, Ricotta, Prosciutto, and Smoked Marzipan

Fig Cake with Almonds & Honey

Pork Tenderloin with Figs, Onions and Olives

Fresh Fettuccine with Figs, Prosciutto and Goat Cheese

Fig and Almond Tart

Chewy Fig & Almond Cookie