The Black Mission Fig: Comprehensive Variety Review

Many people may not realize that thousands of fig varieties exist. Over the years, I have grown and trialed hundreds of these myself, investing significant time, effort, and money to better understand them—all for the benefit of fig enthusiasts like you.

Related: 10 Fig Varieties | The Best, Worst, Sweetest, Largest & Most Productive

This process is ongoing; every year, I test new varieties, gather more data, and uncover new favorites that are well-suited to different regions worldwide. Despite the time and cost involved, this work remains a passion and a continuous endeavor.

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The Black Mission Fig: History and Significance

The Black Mission fig is one of the most popular varieties worldwide, primarily due to its commercial potential and reliable breba (early-season) crop. This variety has a rich history, originating in Spain, where it is known as Albacor or Colar. Spanish missionaries introduced it to the Americas, where it became one of the first fig varieties cultivated commercially in California.

Across California it’s also the parent of many seedlings. This genetic diversity is partly due to the fig wasp (Blastophaga psenes), which was introduced to California for pollination purposes. The fig wasp facilitates the genetic variability of Ficus carica, resulting in many "offspring" trees in regions with high wasp density.

Related: Fig Trees & Wasps: Do Figs Have Wasps in Them?

Globally, Black Mission is known under different names, such as Napolitana Negra and De la Reina in Spain, Noire de Caromb in France, and Abeberiera in Portugal, and, Piombinese, Corvo, Melanzana (Calabrese), and a handful of other names. In the United States, it is sometimes referred to as Italian Black, Kathleen’s Black, or Maltese Falcon. Each is slightly different than another due to adaptation in different locations. This wide array of names highlights the variety's historical and commercial significance.

Check out all of the names for Black Mission in the article below.

Related: Fig Synonyms | What is a Synonym & A List of Types or Categories and their many names

Suitability for Home Gardeners

While the Black Mission fig is an excellent commercial variety, it may not be the best choice for home gardeners, especially in humid climates. Its breba crop is reliable and high-quality, making it a good option for short-season areas and dry regions like California, Arizona, and West Texas. However, given the abundance of fig varieties available today, other options may suit home gardeners better.

For example, Violette de Bordeaux, a French variety, offers similar traits to Black Mission but with superior qualities for home cultivation. It boasts exceptional flavor, better rain resistance, and a consistent fruit quality, which remains high even in challenging climates, making it a more reliable choice than Black Mission.

Related: Violette de Bordeaux Fig | Comprehensive Variety Review

Limitations of Black Mission

Despite its strengths, Black Mission has notable drawbacks:

• Mild Flavor: While suitable for drying (a primary reason for its commercial success), its fresh flavor is often underwhelming compared to the best-tasting fig varieties.

Related: The Best Tasting Fig Varieties

• Rain Susceptibility: Its thin skin absorbs water easily, leading to splitting and cracking, especially in humid climates. The eye of the fig often points upward, exposing it to rain and further increasing vulnerability to spoilage.

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Related: The Best Fig Varieties for Humid Climates: The Northeast, Midwest & South

Alternative Varieties

To overcome Black Mission’s limitations, I’ve been on a secret fig mission to find a better alternative. Already mentioned is a variety called Violette de Bordeaux, but it’s not a direct replacement. They’re far too different varieties. Instead, try some of these “improved” Black Mission figs.

Risoulet

Risoulet is a Figues du Monde introduction from the Bandol region of France. I’m thrilled to have acquired it, but the journey hasn’t been without challenges. Initially, the tree was quite unhealthy, suffering from fruit drop and a severe case of FMV. However, I’ve addressed these issues by planting it in the ground and using rejuvenation pruning. Now, it’s on its way to becoming a healthy, established tree.

In 2022, the figs ripened exceptionally early with a short 2-3 day hang time—about as brief as it gets. The fruit also dries and shrivels easily on the tree. Notably, its skin resisted rain damage during the wet weather of 2022 while the figs were ripening, which is a significant positive.

Flavor-wise, Risoulet reminds me of a cross between Black Mission and Coll de Dama, with thick, jammy pulp in a Black Mission-like package. I look forward to providing further updates on this variety in 2024.

Related: Fig Varieties with a Short Hang Time | The Most Important Characteristic in Humid & Mild Climates

Pernette Noire

Pernette Noire, a fig variety sold by Figaholics in California, was initially discontinued due to low demand. However, its unique elongated shape caught my attention. With a short stem and long neck, the fig hangs with its eye facing downward, reducing susceptibility to rain damage during ripening. Its remarkable ability to repel water further enhances its rain resistance.

Pernette Noire stands out not only for its shape but also for its ripening characteristics. It has a short hang time, which, as mentioned earlier, is ideal for achieving consistently well-ripened figs.

During hot summer days, Pernette Noire often dries on the tree, taking only 3-4 days to shrivel, similar to Campaniere and Teramo. That’s exceptional.

Initially, I was concerned that Pernette Noire bore a strong resemblance to the more common Black Mission fig. While Black Mission often disappoints growers with its susceptibility to cracking and poor rain resistance, Pernette Noire surpasses it in performance, flavor, and texture. The texture is rich and jammy, with a flavor profile that is more sugary and figgy than intensely berry-like. The slightly bitter skin adds complexity, reminiscent of Nerucciolo d’Elba.

To read more about Pernette Noir, click here.

Overall Assessment

Black Mission is a hardy variety, capable of withstanding temperatures as low as 5°F and potentially 0°F in favorable microclimates. It is well-suited for dry, warm regions and has proven its adaptability across the United States, including the Northeast, where immigrant communities have cultivated it for generations. However, in rainy or humid climates, it consistently struggles to produce high-quality fruit.

While Black Mission is an above-average variety with historical and commercial significance, there is significant room for improvement. For home gardeners, exploring superior alternatives is often the better choice, ensuring a more rewarding growing and eating experience.