Black Mission Fig

Historic variety originating from Spain (known there as Franciscana or Albacor), oldest California fig. Large vigorous tree reaching larger size than most varieties, long-lived, fast growing. Produces both breba and main crops. Everbearing variety when planted in right climate. Skin often cracks when ripe. 

Common self-fertile fig producing medium to large fruits. Breba crop large (2-5 cm diameter, 4-8 cm length), many shipped fresh market, matures mid-August to early September. Main crop more numerous, smaller, rounder, ripens late September. Dark purple to nearly black skin with powdery bloom, thin taut texture with prominent ribbing. Dense dark red-pink to strawberry-colored flesh, aqueous, glossy, soft, tender, creamy-jammy consistency with tiny edible beige seeds. Strong rich fig flavor, sweeter than honey, honey-like sweetness with mild acidity. Excellent fresh, dried, canned, or preserved.

First introduced to United States 1768 when Franciscan missionaries planted at San Diego Mission. Planted at subsequent missions up California coast, becoming most widely cultivated variety in early California (only variety grown by missions).