Explainer: Everything you need to know about Greek figs

In late August, fig trees produce fruit, though technically, a fig is an inverted flower that blooms internally. This is when fresh, sweet figs are ready to eat, but they spoil quickly unless preserved through traditional methods like making jams, chutneys or drying them. Fig spoon sweets are made from May's male figs, which don't develop into the familiar large fruit.

Figs thrive in the Mediterranean climate, with few commercial varieties. The trees can withstand temperatures as low as minus 5 degrees Celsius and require little spraying. This year's fig season was early due to an extended heatwave. We learned more by talking to local farmers.

[Sykeones Papasotiriou] What fresh fig varieties are available at markets and stores?

In Greece, three main varieties of fresh figs are sold. Royal figs, especially from the Markopoulo-Vravrona region in East Attica,...