Standing in a grove of fig trees has been compared to being surrounded by wizards. The branches droop like long beards, making the trees appear ancient and wise. And as far as palates are concerned, the trees are like magic. Twice a year fig trees quietly bless their violet-hued branches with wide, majestic leaves that are transformed into long arms yielding plump, succulent fruit. 

Biting into one is like sinking your teeth into history. Figs were first harvested as far back as 4000 BC, when they began their geographical odyssey from Egypt and Arabia to Italy and Greece, then to Mexico and, in the 16th century, to California.