A NATIONAL VALUE : TURKISH FIGS
Figs are predominantly grown in countries that are dominated by a Mediterranean climate. Although fig plantations are widespread in Turkey, there are variations in soil and climate conditions among the growing regions. When the famous Turkish fig cultivar, ‘Sarılop’ is grown in the Büyük and Küçük Menderes basins of the Aegean region, where the climate and soil conditions meet these desired criteria, some of the best quality dried figs in the world are produced. Fig production is carried out mainly in Aydin, Bursa, Izmir, Mersin, Hatay, Balıkesir, Antalya and Gaziantep provinces in Turkey. Aydın province accounts for 62% and 75% of fresh and dried fig production, respectively.
Figs have been produced commercially in the Large and Small Menderes valleys for nearly 200 years. Turkey ranks first in the world in terms of fresh fig production, and is followed by Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Iran. Turkey is also the number one producer of dried figs. The cultivar ‘Sarılop’ accounts for 90% of dried fig production grown in Turkey. The dried figs produced in Turkey have unique qualities, including a soft texture, natural color, honey flavor and pleasant smell. Figs from Iran have a harder texture and from Greece are smaller and whiter colored than those from Turkey. For these reasons, Turkish figs have maintained their leading position in the world markets.