Celebrate the Greens of Spring Celebrate the greens of spring with Emerald Salad – full of flavors and textures. The salad combines a tangle of thinly sliced kale and Swiss chard, sweet and chewy California Figs, crunchy snap peas and radishes. Add a shower of picante cheese and toasted pecans before serving. Radish strips are crispiest when added just before...

Fabulous Fig Recipe Series Lamb is a must-have for Easter dinner in many homes. To honor the tradition we suggest a grilled or broiled boneless leg of lamb, marinated with rosemary and garlic, and served with a fig, olive and fennel vinaigrette. The recipe is easy to execute. The ingredient list is shorter than it looks as the marinade and...

Fabulous Fig Recipe Series  Figs and chocolate are perfect partners to honor Valentine’s Day in a French dessert, Chocolate Pot de Crème with Fig-Almond Topping. Since February is National Heart Month this recipe was created with good health in mind. This lightened version trims fat and calories without compromising the rich chocolate flavor and silky texture that makes Chocolate Pot...

New! FABULOUS FIG Recipe Series–Curry-Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Figs & Vegetables Cold winter days call for comfort food and, after the busy baking holidays, spending less time in the kitchen.  Eating more healthfully is top-of-mind, too. Our new recipe delivers on all counts. Turn on the oven and warm your kitchen and your soul with an oven-roasted meal cooked on...

New! FABULOUS FIG Recipe Series–Fillo Wrapped Fig Fruitcake This Mediterranean inspired recipe redefines fruitcake. A lightly spiced mix of figs, apricots and dates is studded with pistachios and wrapped in irresistibly flaky fillo dough. A good choice for holiday desserts, buffets and even brunch, it serves a crowd and can be made at least a day before serving. Wrap it...

New! FABULOUS FIG Recipe Series–Rustic Grain, Fig & Walnut Rolls There’s nothing like warm, freshly baked rolls at a holiday table or anytime.  Here’s a recipe for a rustic, grain, fig and walnut roll that requires no kneading. The first rise takes place in the refrigerator where you can keep the dough for up to 48 hours before baking. To...

New! FABULOUS FIG Recipe Series Each month we will be featuring a NEW Fabulous Fig recipe created exclusively for Valley Fig Growers by Lorelle Del Matto, nutrition and culinary professional. This month, we’ve heard all the buzz about pumpkin, and just in time for all the Halloween parties, is Pumpkin Hummus with Fig-Olive Gremolata Pumpkin Hummus with Fig-Olive Gremolata Ready...

It’s Back to School Time As the summer winds down, thoughts turn back to school. Fig Nut Bars make a great after school snack and tasty addition to lunch boxes–easy, flavorful, and packed with fiber. Fig Nut Bars   The dough may look dry at first, but it will come together as it is mixed.Makes 12 servings 1
 cup packed (7...

Keep Cool with Sensational Summer Salads Chopped Salad with Figs, Bacon and Smoked Turkey When buying the turkey for this salad, ask the deli to slice it into a 1/2-inch thick slab so that you can easily cut it into 1/2-inch pieces. Makes 4 servings Ingredients 8 slices bacon, chopped 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil 2
 tablespoons cider vinegar 1...

Summer is here—Enjoy the Great Outdoors Treat Dad to Juicy Pub-Style Burgers for Father’s Day Juicy Pub-Style Burgers with Crispy Shallots, Blue Cheese, and Orchard Choice Fig Spread Sirloin steak tips are also sold as flap meat. When stirring the butter and pepper into the ground meat and shaping the patties, take care not to overwork the meat or the...

As the Season Begins… Most of the activity in the orchards begins in May as the fruit appears on the trees and culminates in October when the final “picking” of the dried fruit is completed. Drought has again plagued the San Joaquin Valley, much like the last three years, and we anticipate an early harvest year of high quality figs....

Spring Celebrations! Whether you’re enjoying brunch or dinner with family and friends, here are some great recipes to make Spring memorable. Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Figs and Cream Cheese Filling Makes one 10-inch cake, serving 12 to 16 Orange Sugar–Almond Topping Cake Directions For the Topping: Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 350 degrees. Stir...