The main crop of the 2026 California fresh fig season is officially underway following a successful earlier breba crop. According to the California Fresh Fig Growers Association, growers are reporting a healthy crop and excellent fruit quality across all orchards. The industry expects this year’s total harvest to be comparable to last year’s crop of nearly 10 million pounds.
The state’s commercial growers produce five primary fresh fig varieties, each offering different physical traits and flavor profiles. These include the purple-skinned Mission fig, the robust Brown Turkey, the sweet Sierra, and the striped Tiger fig. All five varieties become available in July and will remain on the market through November.
Growers are highlighting the performance of the Emerald variety, which was first introduced commercially in 2025. This self-pollinating variety features light green skin and a creamy flavor profile similar to the Calimyrna, which is no longer grown in California. Industry officials note that the variety is contributing to the overall growth of the fresh fig category.
The first Mission figs of the 2026 season were harvested during the brief breba crop in May and June. While the fresh fruit is highly seasonal, California dried figs remain available to consumers throughout the entire year. Dried figs can be substituted for fresh varieties in everyday dishes like salads, sandwiches, pizzas, sauces, and baked goods.
The California Fresh Fig Growers Association represents the state’s commercial orchards and industry progress. Consumers can find specific storage tips, usage ideas, and culinary recipes on the organization’s official website.
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