The dried fig management and the potential for new products

摘要

The edible fig, Ficus carica L., is one the oldest species domesticated by mankind. It is well adapted to the Mediterranean conditions and can be found dispersed in natural flora. As its nutritional and pharmaceutical properties are unfolded by research work, the demand is growing. The fig tree with its diverse horticultural properties offers fresh fruit in the spring and summer and dried fruit or processed products throughout the year. The fig fruit bears significant varietal differences. The fruiting behavior is different in breba bearing cultivars compared to the 'Smyrna' type cultivars. The fruit composition may differ significantly among cultivars as well as between pollinated and non-pollinated fruit of the same cultivar. Selecting the fig cultivars that fit best to the ecological conditions and address the consumer demand and harvesting at right maturity stage are the base lines for a profitable production. Fig fruit can be utilized as deep-frozen or processed for different purposes. The overall world market for dried figs is enlarging however the demand is always for safe and high quality produce.