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Description: The fig comes from fig trees located in the region of Torres Novas. Depending on the production season, figs are called lampos (May and June) and harvests (July / September). The main varieties explored in the region are Princesa, Lampa Preta and Maia, with regard to lamps; Pingo de Mel, da Ponte, Palmares, Bêbera Branca and Burjassote Branco with regard to the harvest. It is a fruit with well-marked organoleptic characteristics, with great nutritional qualities, being rich in vitamins B and C in mineral salts (especially calcium, phosphorus and potassium). Its caloric value (80 calories/100 g) makes it a good energy food.
Princess variety — pyriform fruit of large caliber (12 figs/kg). Yellow-ish epidermis, clear pulp, fleshy and sweet. Maturation at the end of May.
Lampa Preta variety — pyriform fruit of good caliber (16 figs/kg). Green epidermis with violet streaks. Pink, fleshy and sweet pulp. Maturation in the 1st half of June.
Maia variety — turbinado fruit of large caliber (10 figs/kg). Yellowish epidermis. Clear, sweet pulp.
Pingo de Mel variety — pyriform fruit of good caliber (23 figs/kg). Yellowish epidermis. Very light pulp, very sweet and juicy. Maturation in the 1st half of August.
Ponte variety — a medium-sized and globose fruit (24 figs/kg). Green epidermis. Pink and sweet pulp. Maturation in the 1st half of August.
Palmares variety — turbinado fruit of good caliber (20 figs/kg). Yel-lowish green epidermis. Clear and sweet pulp. Maturation in the 1st half of August.
White Bêbera variety — pyriform fruit of large caliber (18 figs/kg). Pink epidermis. Carmine, sweet and juicy pulp. Maturation in the 2nd half of August.
Variety Burjassote White — pyriform fruit of good caliber (22 figs/kg). Yellowish-green epidermis. Pink, sweet and juicy pulp. Maturation in the 2nd half of August.
Region: Lisbon and Tagus Valley.
Other denominations: Fruit of Love.
Special feature: Black or white fruits, available on the market from May to the end of August, depending on the variety.
History: Fig production is a well-rooted and vital activity throughout the Torres Novas region. The establishment of the vast fig trees of Torres Novas dates from the beginning of the nineteenth century, as an alternative to the vineyard, much decimated by phylloxera. Given the good adaptation to the environment, the socio-economic importance of this culture grew, giving rise to customs and traditions that still have good expression today. Gradually, the fresh fig achieved projection in the diversification of markets, being today a fruit of choice.
Use: Consumed at any time of the day, sometimes accompanied by bread. Also used as a dessert or as a starter, accompanied by ham. Essential for the preparation of Fig Brandy.
Know-how: Traditional cultivation practices follow. The planting density for the rainfed fig tree varies between 250 and 333 trees per ha, depending on the planting layout. For irrigated fig trees, the density ranges from 417 to 1250 trees per ha. The commercial presentation is made in couvettes of 0,5 to 1 kg or in cardboard or wooden trays with a capacity of 5 kg, and it is vital to preserve the good presentation of the fig.
Source: Produtos Tradicionais Portugueses, Lisboa, DGDR, 2001
