The Calabria region is known for growing numerous varieties of figs, which are used in many traditional recipes.

The history of fig cultivation in Calabria dates back to ancient times, when the Greeks

introduced this plant to the region. Since then, fig cultivation has become

a tradition in Calabria, which has allowed it to produce some of the best figs in the world.

Calabrian figs are generally available from June to September,

when the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked.

The use of figs in cooking is very versatile. Fresh figs can be eaten

alone as a snack, or used to prepare desserts such as tarts, cakes and ice cream. Furthermore,

they can be used to flavor savory dishes such as salads, cheeses, meats and fish.

The most popular variety of figs is the Dottato di Cosenza, which is used for all

the culinary delicacies such as “crocette”, “palloni di fichi” and figs with chocolate.

                                                     The plant

The fig tree likes warm, non-humid climates, it adapts to any type of soil as long as it is loose

and well-drained, it does not tolerate temperatures below −10, −12 °C for a long time.

As for the heat at +45, +46 °C, or with extreme dryness, the plant stops

the vegetative processes and suffers the fall of the leaves. Warm nights favor the production

of fruits while stagnant water compromises it. Equipped with a powerful root system, it resists well

to drought and salty and uncultivated soils, in particular as a root system of a plant from semi-desert climate, it is particularly effective in the search for water; the roots are very invasive, in a garden they can penetrate cisterns, ducts or basements.

In the kitchen

The fig in traditional Calabrian cuisine finds many uses.

Among the most famous are the “crocette”. The name comes from the particular shape that the product takes once the processing is finished, that of a small cross. They are prepared using dried figs and walnuts.

Another traditional Calabrian recipe that uses figs is the "pitta 'mpigliata". It is a cake made of sweet dough, stuffed with dried figs, almonds, walnuts and spices such as cinnamon and cloves. The cake is then baked and served as a dessert after a meal.

Furthermore, figs can be used to prepare a homemade jam, which can be spread on toasted bread or used as a cheese condiment.

Do you want to try all these delicacies?

The breakfast we offer our guests offers all the culinary tradition of Calabria, depending on the period you can taste the “crocette”, the “pitta ‘mpigliata”, the “palloni di fichi” and many other sweets that will make you fall in love.

What are you waiting for? Book your stay now on our website

https://www.laresidenzadelmarchesato.it/en/booking/