Types of Figs: The Differences Explained

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When buying dried figs for business use, private label products, or retail packaging, it is important to understand the different types like Lerida, Protoben, Baglama, Pulled, and Garland. Knowing these differences affects consistency, cost, and customer satisfaction. All these types come from the Sarı Lop fig, which is commonly grown in Turkey. However, their shapes, how they are presented, and their moisture levels are different. This can impact which type is best for certain uses.

Different Types of Figs

In the dried fruits market, especially in major exporting countries like Turkey, Iran, and the U.S., figs are sorted into different categories. This sorting depends on their shape and how they are processed. Understanding these categories is important for buyers, as they influence the price, packaging, and uses of the figs.

1. Lerida Figs (Industry Standard)

Lerida figs are a well-known choice in the dried fig market. They are pressed by hand into a flat, disk shape and then stacked in trays or boxes. Their even appearance and balanced moisture make them ideal for packaging and for use in food service or bulk displays.

  • Appearance: Flat, round, light brown
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Uses: Retail packs and bulk
  • Why it matters: High visual appeal and consistent sizing

2. Protoben Figs (Compact and Cost-Efficient)

Protoben figs come from the same area as Lerida figs, but they stay in their natural shape. This means more figs can fit in each box. For buyers looking to get the most value for their money or buy in larger quantities, Protoben figs are a great option.

  • Appearance: Plump, rounded, more compact than Lerida
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Uses: Ingredient processing, cost-efficient, industrial use
  • Why it matters: More weight per box, better price point for high-volume applications

3. Baglama Figs (Strings, Traditional)

Baglama figs are hand-strung on cotton thread, typically in chains of 50 to 100 figs. This method is both traditional and visually unique, making them favored by specialty shops, ethnic retailers, and brands seeking an authentic display.

  • Appearance: Round, tied in strands
  • Moisture: Slightly lower
  • Uses: Specialty retail, ethnic markets, gifting
  • Why it matters: Differentiation through traditional format and hand-tied presentation

4. Pulled Figs (High Moisture, Ready to Eat)

Pulled figs have a softer texture and more moisture. They are shaped flatter, making them great for immediate eating and high-end retail packs. Because of their softness and rich feel, pulled figs are often used in snack products or fancy fig assortments.

  • Appearance: Flat, slightly sticky
  • Moisture: High
  • Uses: Ready-to-eat snacks, premium packaging
  • Why it matters: High consumer appeal in premium health food sectors

dried fig types
Copyright: Alkarfood

5. Garland Figs (Decorative and Functional)

Garland figs are like Baglama figs, but they are arranged in circular loops instead of straight lines, which is why they are called "garland." They are not as common but are still good for holiday gifts, gift sets, or decorations.

  • Appearance: Round figs tied in circular loops
  • Moisture: Medium to low
  • Uses: Seasonal products, gifting, decorative food presentations
  • Why it matters: Offers visual differentiation, especially in seasonal SKUs


6. Natural Figs: Unshaped and Straight from Drying

Natural figs are the simplest and least processed fig types. They are dried without any alterations, making them a good choice for buyers who want minimal handling and lower costs. Since they are not shaped, they might look less uniform. However, this quality makes them more affordable and great for industrial use, fig paste production, or bulk repacking.

  • Appearance: Varies in shape and size; not flattened or tied
  • Moisture: Medium
  • Uses: Ingredient processing, fig paste, economy lines
  • Why it matters: Lowest handling cost and high yield for industrial use

How to Choose the Right Fig Type

Choosing the right edible figs goes beyond moisture or looks; it's about matching the type to the use. If you need small snack packs, pulled or Lerida figs work well. For cost-effective options in large production, Protoben offers good volume and price. Baglama and Garland figs cater to special markets that appreciate tradition or presentation.

Here are a few guiding questions to help you decide:

  • Is the product meant for display, processing, or blending?
  • Do you need consistency in size and shape (Lerida), or is natural form acceptable (Protoben)?
  • Will the figs be eaten whole or processed into another ingredient?

Fig Varieties

Many fig species are grown around the world, but only a few are used for drying. And although they play a role in fresh markets,  they play only a secondary role in the global dried fig trade. Nevertheless, the Sarı Lop fig is the most common for dried figs, especially from Turkey. This variety is preferred for products like Lerida, Protoben, and Baglama because it is large, has thin skin, and dries well.

Other popular varieties include:

  • Black Mission (U.S.): Known for its dark skin and sweet taste. It is sold fresh and dried but is not usually exported in bulk.
  • Calimyrna (U.S.): This is a dried version of the Smyrna fig. It is larger, golden, and has a nutty flavor. It is sometimes found in premium dried fig products.
  • Kadota (U.S.): This fig has green skin and is often sold fresh or made into fig paste.
  • Adriatic (Europe/U.S.): This variety has light skin and is high in sugar. It is often used for fig bars or spreads.

These types are important in local or small markets, but when it comes to international business, most buyers prefer Sarı Lop figs. This is because they offer consistent quality, reliable processing, and a steady supply.

How Nutrada Helps Buyers Source Figs

Nutrada connects food industry professionals with verified fig suppliers, providing bulk sourcing solutions for whole dried figs, fig paste, and processed fig products. Buyers can refine their search based on variety, origin, processing type, and certifications, ensuring they source the best figs for their manufacturing or retail operations. By leveraging Nutrada’s supplier network, businesses can streamline procurement and secure high-quality fig products efficiently.