An Interesting History Of Figs In North Carolina
Explore the history of figs in North Carolina and how local festivals and traditions celebrate their role in agriculture and culture.
by Esme Addison
Nothing says fall like… figs? That’s right—figs. Though pumpkins and sweet potatoes often dominate fall tables, figs have earned their seasonal place. Growing up, I always heard stories about the fig trees on my great-great-grandfather’s property in Mt. Holly, in the foothills of the North Carolina mountains, and I was endlessly intrigued by them. It wasn’t until I started paying closer attention that I realized figs are actually a fall fruit, with late summer and early fall marking their peak harvest season—perfect for pies, preserves, cakes, and even savory dishes.
Figs have a long and fascinating history in North Carolina, stretching from colonial gardens to modern festivals. More than just a fruit, they became a symbol of resilience, hospitality, and community, influencing the state’s agriculture, cuisine, and culture. This article traces the journey of the fig in North Carolina, exploring how early settlers brought it from the Mediterranean, how it spread across the state, and how it became a beloved part of Southern life.
A Mediterranean Origin
Figs first arrived in North Carolina in the 18th century, brought by European settlers—including Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution during the Spanish and Portuguese Inquisitions. Many of these families had lived in the Netherlands, France, or England before arriving in the American colonies, carrying with them Mediterranean agricultural knowledge and a love for crops from their homelands.
Sephardic Jews established communities in port cities like Wilmington, which became hubs for trade and cultural exchange. Aaron Lopez, a Sephardic Jewish merchant from Newport, Rhode Island, traded extensively with North Carolina between 1761 and 1775, helping to introduce Mediterranean crops such as figs. Other settlers of English and French origin also experimented with fig cultivation, recognizing the fruit’s adaptability to the region’s sandy soils and mild climate.
Coastal areas like Ocracoke and Roanoke Islands quickly became centers for fig production. On Ocracoke alone, at least nine varieties were historically documented, including Pound, Sugar, Lemon, and Celeste figs. Families such as the Etheridges on Roanoke Island—a long-established farming family whose roots date back to the 18th century—nurtured these trees in home gardens and small farms, passing them down through generations.
On Ocracoke, the Garrish family similarly cultivated figs, with Margaret Garrish famously credited for creating the Ocracoke Fig Cake in the early 1960s, a recipe that became a local culinary tradition. These early growers enjoyed fresh figs in late summer, preserved them for winter, and helped establish food customs and cultural practices that continue to thrive today, connecting modern residents to the islands’ agricultural heritage.
The region’s long growing season and sandy soils closely mimicked the Mediterranean environment, allowing figs to thrive where other exotic crops struggled, making them both a practical food source and a treasured part of coastal life.
How Figs Spread Across North Carolina
While figs flourished on the coast, they didn’t stay there. Traders, settlers, and travelers carried cuttings inland, sharing them with neighbors and friends along the way. By the 19th century, figs had appeared in central and eastern North Carolina yards, where gardeners learned to protect them from colder winters and drier soils.
This spread wasn’t just agricultural—it was social. Sharing fig cuttings was a gesture of hospitality, a way to welcome new neighbors and build community. Recipes for fig preserves, cakes, and breads often traveled with the plants, embedding figs deeply into Southern culinary culture. Today, fig trees still dot farmyards across the state, a living reminder of the fruit’s journey from Mediterranean shores to Southern tables.
Fig As Southern Hospitality
In North Carolina, giving a fig cutting was about more than just planting a tree. Because figs grow best from cuttings rather than seeds, sharing a piece of a tree was both practical and symbolic. It meant helping someone start a garden while also offering a quiet gesture of friendship and generosity—much like the pineapple in colonial America. Pineapples were rare and highly valued, so displaying one on a table, carving it into furniture, or placing one on a porch became a symbol of welcome, hospitality, and abundance.
Traveling families carried fig cuttings inland, planting them in new gardens and sharing them with neighbors. Along with the cuttings came recipes—from fig preserves to cakes and sweet breads—spreading both the fruit and the culinary traditions that went with it. Even today, gardeners continue this practice, passing cuttings from one home to another, a living reminder of Southern hospitality, much like the symbolic pineapple of earlier generations.
Just as pineapples once signaled a home of welcome and generosity, figs became a tangible expression of community and care. Families savored them fresh from the tree during late summer, dried them for winter use, and incorporated them into both sweet and savory dishes—from preserves and cakes to pies and breads—a culinary legacy that continues to flavor North Carolina homes today.
The Sweet Taste Of Figs
Figs quickly became a versatile part of North Carolina life. Families enjoyed them fresh from the tree during late summer and early fall, and dried them for year-round use. Preserves, jams, and syrups were especially valuable in winter months, when fresh fruit was scarce. Beyond sweet dishes, figs were sometimes paired with nuts and cheeses or incorporated into savory recipes.
Their long shelf life and high sugar content made figs ideal for shipping, sharing, and storing—cementing their role in daily life and community gatherings. These practical uses are well documented in historical records, while recipes passed down in families reflect a living tradition rooted in both necessity and culinary creativity.
Fig Cake Tradition
Fig cake is perhaps North Carolina’s most famous fig creation. On Ocracoke Island, oral history credits Margaret Garrish with popularizing the fig cake in the early 1960s, using figs in place of dates in a spiced, layered dessert. Though details come from local tradition rather than written records, the cake quickly became a community favorite, appearing at gatherings, celebrations, and holiday tables. The fig cake shows how the fruit has been woven into both culinary and social life, bridging generations through flavor and memory.
Preserving The Heritage Of The Fig
Recognizing the historical and cultural importance of figs, residents and experts work to preserve Ocracoke’s old varieties. The Pound and Sugar figs, cultivated for generations, are replanted and cared for, ensuring their survival. Chester Lynn, a ninth-generation Ocracoke resident, has documented 14 fig varieties on the island, illustrating the deep bond between community and fruit. These efforts blend documented history with oral tradition, preserving both the trees and the stories that accompany them.
Fig Festivals Across the State
Figs hold a special place in North Carolina’s agricultural and culinary heritage, and their influence can be seen across the state. While Ocracoke Island hosts one of the most well-known fig festivals, other regions have cultivated their own celebrations, each highlighting the fruit’s versatility and local significance. From Greenville’s lively Figapalooza to Forest of Eden’s immersive farm festival, these events showcase fig-related products and culinary creations while offering workshops, demonstrations, and community programming that connect residents to the state’s rich agricultural traditions. Together, they ensure that figs remain a living, celebrated part of North Carolina life.
Greenville’s Figapalooza
Greenville’s Figapalooza has grown into a beloved community event. Held at the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum, the festival draws families and fig enthusiasts alike. Visitors can explore over 30 vendors offering everything from fig trees and preserves to handmade crafts and baked goods. Workshops cover topics such as fig propagation, preserving the fruit, and the history of figs in North Carolina. Food trucks serve up a variety of local fare, and attendees often enjoy raffles with fig-themed prizes or free FigBrew coffee samples. With its vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere, Figapalooza has become a cornerstone of Greenville’s fall calendar. It is usually held the first week in September.
For more information, visit the Eastern Carolina Village & Farm Museum.
Forest of Eden’s Fig Festival
Just outside Greenville, Forest of Eden Farm & Nursery hosts an annual Fig Festival that immerses attendees in the world of figs and sustainable agriculture. The festival features two orchards and a food forest for visitors to explore, along with hands-on demonstrations, permaculture workshops, and animal exhibits. Guests can sample different fig varieties, purchase trees, and learn how to cultivate their own fig gardens. Forest of Eden’s festival emphasizes education and sustainability, providing a deeper look into the agricultural practices that make figs a lasting part of North Carolina life. It’s usually held in mid-September.
For more details, visit Forest of Eden’s Fig Festival.
Ocracoke Island Fig Festival
Ocracoke Island, with its coastal charm and rich history, rounds out the state’s fig celebrations with its own festival. The Ocracoke Fig Festival highlights local fig varieties and includes activities such as fig picking, cooking demonstrations, and tastings. The event emphasizes the island’s agricultural heritage and the central role figs have played in local cuisine over generations. Visitors can experience a unique blend of coastal culture and culinary tradition, making Ocracoke a highlight for fig enthusiasts. It’s usually held in the beginning of August.
For more information, visit the Ocracoke Fig Festival.
Across all these festivals, a common thread emerges: figs are more than just a fruit; they are a connection to community, history, and local agriculture. By showcasing the versatility of figs in food, crafts, and farming, these celebrations encourage residents to engage with their heritage while supporting local farmers and artisans. From workshops to tastings to interactive activities, North Carolina’s fig festivals ensure that the fruit remains a vibrant and living part of the state’s culture.
Figs in North Carolina are more than a fruit—they are a thread connecting generations, families, and communities. From Sephardic Jewish settlers and coastal growers to inland gardens, fig cakes, and modern festivals, figs have shaped Southern culture, cuisine, and hospitality. Celebrated in kitchens, gardens, and festivals across the state, the NC fig continues to hold a sweet, enduring place in Southern life.
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