Fresh Bursa Figs

Country Of Origin: Turkey

Seasons/Availability 
Bursa figs are available in the late summer through mid-fall.

Description
Bursa figs are a large varietal, averaging 4 to 7 centimetres in diameter, and have around to teardrop shape bulbous appearance. Bursa figs are highly prized for their large size, honeyed flavour, and soft and crisp texture. The fruit’s tough, thick skin allows it to be exported internationally, and Bursa figs are considered one of the best speciality varieties, primarily eaten fresh, out of hand.

Uses
Bursa figs have a honey-sweet flavour well suited for fresh and cooked preparations. The large fruits are customarily consumed straight, out of hand, or they are tossed into salads, displayed on charcuterie boards, or stirred into grain bowls. Bursa figs have a neutral flavour allowing the fruits to be incorporated into sweet or savoury culinary dishes, and the figs are also folded into raw fig bars, used as an edible topping over yogurt, or mashed over honeyed toast. In addition to fresh recipes, Bursa figs are popularly simmered into jams, jellies, and preserves or cooked into sauces for roasted meats.

​The fruits can also be transformed into a paste as filling for pudding, pies, other pastries, ice cream, tarts, and cakes. In Turkey, Bursa figs are baked and served with kaymak, a Turkish clotted cream, or they are dried, stuffed, and boiled in milk as a sweet dessert. 


​Benefits
Bursa figs are an excellent source of potassium to balance fluid levels in the body, fiber to regulate the digestive tract, and calcium to protect bones and teeth. The fruits also provide vitamin C to strengthen the immune system while reducing inflammation, vitamin A to maintain healthy organ functioning, and other nutrients, including iron, phosphorus, vitamins K and B6, copper, and magnesium.