Figs this way
Add the taste of Autumn to your day.
Shop nowWhat’s in season: Bursa Black Figs
Autumn brings one of the briefest, most brilliant treats to our plates: Bursa Black figs. Beneath that dusty, deep purple-black skin lies a sticky, ruby-red centre that tastes like jam. Their season is short but sweet — they only stick around for a few weeks, making each mouthful feel like a seasonal celebration.
Sun, sea breezes, and sweet centres
Bursa Black figs owe their world-class reputation to a very specific spot on the map. They grow exclusively on the fertile agricultural plains surrounding Bursa in north-western Türkiye, framed perfectly between the slopes of Mount Uludağ and the Sea of Marmara.
This distinct geography creates a unique microclimate in which fig trees thrive. Long, sun-drenched days allow the fruit to develop its signature dark purple skin and build deep natural sweetness, while cool coastal breezes coming off the sea at night slow down ripening just enough. That overnight temperature dip concentrates the fruit's natural sugars, creating a rich, honeyed flavour balanced by a gentle, refreshing acidity. It’s a super-precise natural climate you just can’t replicate anywhere else in the world.
Simple ways to serve figs
Because Bursa Black figs are naturally sweet and jammy, you don't need to do much to make them shine on the plate. Looking for super-simple yet sophisticated midweek starters? Slice them raw and top with a crumble of creamy, tangy goat’s cheese and a drizzle of runny honey, or wrap juicy quarters in thin ribbons of salty prosciutto.
If you fancy something warm for pudding, quarter the fruit and roast it gently in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the rich, ruby-red juices start to bubble. Serve warm over a generous scoop of good-quality vanilla ice cream. The hot fruit melts into the cold ice cream for a quick, ridiculously satisfying dessert that feels special with zero fuss.
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Meet the suppliers
Aksun
Behind every one of these Bursa Black figs is a family of third- and fourth-generation growers around Bursa who have spent decades farming these orchards. Working alongside Aksun, who have been bringing these fruits over from Türkiye for 30 years, these local farming families rely on gentle, low-impact methods. In fact, over 80% of their orchards rely on natural rainfall for irrigation, so that they can conserve precious local water resources.
Because Bursa Black figs are so delicate, harvesting happens twice daily during the coolest hours: early morning and late night. Every piece of fruit is carefully handpicked and packed into shallow trays to avoid bruising. Within 45 minutes, they’re whisked into chilled facilities where smart optical tech checks quality to make sure flawless figs land in your Ocado trolley.
Four fast facts about figs
- Figs aren’t technically fruit at all. They’re actually inverted flowers that bloom tucked away inside a dark, pod-like skin.
- People have cultivated figs for over 11,000 years, making them one of the earliest recorded crops in all human history.
- Raw figs contain a natural enzyme called ficin. It acts as a natural tenderiser by breaking down protein and works brilliantly in meat marinades.
- Bursa Black figs hold EU Protected Designation of Origin status, officially recognising their distinct regional quality.
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