Figs of Masseria

Figs have found in Apulia a varied and diverse environment characterized by mild areas on the coast of Salento and cooler areas in inland zones.

In the Apulian territory numerous varieties of fig were introduced, partly described by Plinius, being some of which still present.

Over the centuries Apulia has been one of the South Italian regions most interested in figs cultivation, with a large varietal heritage.

The dominance of fig cultivation was evident until Mid - 20th century and, in particular, the 1940s-50s when Apulia boasted the first place in the production of figs with about 1 million quintals of fresh figs on an area of over 30,000 hectares compared to 50,000 hectares of the overall national area.

The fig tree was cultivated especially in Salento in the provinces of Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto (about 93% of the total Apulian production).

In the post-war years those who crossed the territories of Salento saw the fig tree spread everywhere (on the edge of the streets, in the tuff and “pietra leccese” (typical stone of the area) caves, in the various Masserie (which jealously guarded the most precious species). In the other provinces of Apulia fig was present as a scattered plant.

Since the 1960s, the introduction of more profitable agricultural products has favoured new production routes and progressively changed the Apulian landscape.

With the decrease in fig production in Apulia and Salento, the caprifig plants (wild fig or “profico”), essential for the production of some species of figs, have also decreased.

The current production of fig in Salento, as well as throughout Apulia, is mainly concentrated in small amateur-run countryside and in some Masserie or farmhouses that jealously guard the oldest and rarest species in addition to the traditional ones of the territory.

It is worth mentioning the recent work of the farmhouse Masseria Furnirussi in Otranto that in the last years has created the largest figs plantation in Europe with some of the best species of Salento.

Masseria Uccio also hosts some of the best species of fig present in the territory of Salento (some younger, some older).

At Masseria Uccio figs may be enjoyed at breakfast as fresh fruits or in jam, on homemade tarts and sweets or as dried product (so called "Fica cu lla mengola" in Salento dialect).

The species of Salento figs available at Masseria Uccio also fit for the preparation of some typical recipes (e.g. the classic ham and figs, risotto with figs, figs stuffed with ham and cheese).