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...

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...

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Saint Patrick’s Day is widely recognized as a celebration of Irish and Irish American culture. Celebrations include displays of green, eating and drinking, religious observances, and parades. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, give our braised short ribs a try—and toast the luck of the Irish with a glass of Guiness. Braised Beef Short Ribs with...

Figs and Chocolate—The Perfect Valentine’s Day Couple! Figs have long been a symbol of love and fertility. The sweet allure of figs is legendary and their romantic powers well documented in literature. California figs sensuously avail themselves to the cook in dishes begging to be served on Valentine’s Day. Here is one of our newest, and best, recipes. Chocolate-Fig Bar...

Introducing Orchard Choice California Fig Spreads–Fruit Spreads with Attitude Balsamic Pepper Fig Spread California Orange Fig Spread Port Wine Fig Spread Organic Mission Fig Spread Back to School is Right Around the Corner! It’s been a great summer and now it’s time to get ready for school to start. How about asking the kids which of these three recipes they...

Everything is better with bacon…and California Figs! Sure to please dad on Father’s Day is a dish that includes bacon…and California Figs, of course! Bacon is more than just a popular side dish; it’s now enjoyed in everything from appetizers to desserts. People don’t just like bacon, they love bacon. Sweet and savory foods often complement each other. Think of...

Easter and Passover Easter falls on Sunday, April 20 this year. California Dried Figs enjoy great popularity this time of year because they work so well and taste so good in many Easter and Passover recipes. Did you know that Palm Sunday is also known as Fig Sunday? Tradition has it that after Christ’s entry into Jerusalem, he came upon...

May is Mediterranean Month! Celebrate Mediterranean Month this May. Healthy eating and healthy foods enjoyed with family and friends, that’s the Mediterranean way. Key components of Mediterranean cuisine include lots of plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts, healthy fats, such as olive oil, and fish and poultry. If desired, include red wine in moderation....

Spring in California’s Fig Orchards! It’s spring in California’s sunny San Joaquin Valley—home to nearly 100 percent of the nation’s fig orchards. At this time of year, most fig growers are completing the last of the winter deep watering. Pruning is near completion and new weeds are mowed and cleared. Replacement trees are planted in place of trees lost since...

Jump for Joy, It’s January We are so excited 2013 is finally here. We’ve been busy creating new contests and opportunities for you to win lots of fun stuff this year. Along with our contests, we have Twitter parties planned with the experts at America’s Test Kitchen and we have a host of amazingly delicious new recipes. On a healthy...

Raising the Bar with California Figs As the holidays fast approach, baking and gift giving are in the air. Bar cookies, in all their gloriously delicious variations, make the perfect gift for friends and family.   Take your holiday baking up a notch this season by using California Figs. From Fig & Goat Cheese Squares to Chocolate Fig Pecan Bars we...