Black Mission fig

noun

variants or black mission fig
: a variety of fig that has a purplish-black skin and reddish pulp
Black Mission figs are the most common and usually the most dependable for flavor and texture, with tarry skins that add a certain spiciness.David Karp, Los Angeles Times, 14 July 2011
The black mission figs are the variety the Spanish monks introduced to California in 1759 at the San Diego Mission as they made their progress up the coast, planting figs as they planted olives.Henry Fenwick, Desert Sun (Palm Springs, California), 16 July 2008

called also Mission fig

Word History

First Known Use

1942, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Black Mission fig was in 1942

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Black Mission fig

Cite this Entry

“Black Mission fig.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Black%20Mission%20fig. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!