The best dried figs are produced in warm countries, such as the
Mediterranean region of Europe, Asia Minor, Upper and Lower California,
but especially in Asia Minor, in the valleys near Smyrna. The conditions
of climate there are as follows: The days are moderately warm, the
temperature seldom exceeding 90° F. These conditions prevail during the
summer, while the figs are growing and ripening. The winter is seldom
frosty. The winter climate, however, is of less importance, provided it
is not cold enough to injure the young figs or the tips of the branches.
Such frosts will not injure the second crop, which is used for drying,
but it is a great drawback to the wild fig and to the fig insects, which
are necessary to the maturing of the fruit of certain varieties of
drying figs. The summer climate is almost rainless, while in winter
there are abundant rains. The air in summer is not a dry, desert air,
however, but carries considerable moisture. The moisture of the air is
an important point, as in a very dry air the figs do not develop high
flavor, but are “flat” in taste. During the drying season there should
be little or no rain.