The Story of Dried Fruits #252247

Fifty years before the introduction of the Adriatic fig to America, the Franciscan Fathers, who established the now famous missions among the California Indians. Planted one especial fig at each of these churches. A black variety with small seeds and distinctive flavor. They used this black fig fresh. Dried, and for wine-making, and in honor of these pioneer missionaries this variety is called the Mission fig. It is sought by, epicures but comprises scarcely two per cent of the California production. A snow-storm of perfumed white blossoms greets the early Santa Clara valley Spring. The prune orchards are in bloom. With the coming of Summer the trees are loaded with purple fruit — beautiful plums the size of a walnut.