Dried figs are exquisitely popular in today’s world. However, figs have been known and cultivated ever since the ancient times. Its history dates back to the old days, lost in the depths of centuries, where ancient Greeks used to dry figs along with other fruits and use them daily for nutrition. Fig is a true superfood, as it offers unique nutritional value. Indeed, it has been our gastronomic ally for maintaining an optimal health state for thousands of years.
A wonderful variety of figs is found in North Evia and more specifically in the wider area of Taxiarchis village. These figs are not like any other figs you have ever tasted in your life. They are yellowish in color and have an amazing sweetness, thin exterior and plumb interior, making it a variety that has gained universal acclaim from a small village in Greece. And its story is quite impressive, too!
This fig variety comes from the village of Moursali and has traveled from Smyrni in 1922, until it finally reached Evia after wandering for a long time at sea. Two small villages, Agios Ioannis (Saint John) and Agioi Theodoroi, merged back then and created Taxiarchis. This is a semi-mountainous settlement on the foot of Mount Telethrion, where the refuges sought shelter and a new place to call “home”.
The refugees brought with them these special fig trees, as well as the know-how of how to cultivate them to produce the optimal outcome possible. Thanks to their mastery and expertise, they managed to create a long tradition in Greek dried figs. And the results have been truly majestic, making the area famous across Greece and later on internationally.
