It seems that the origin of the fig tree is the Mediterranean and its fruits have been much appreciated by the different cultures that have settled on the shores of this sea over the years. But other sources indicate that the fig comes from the countries of the Middle East, covering from the Mediterranean area to western Asia. However, ancient civilizations in the eastern Mediterranean used the fig long before it arrived in Europe.

Probably its cultivation began in southern Arabia from where it extended to other countries. Possibly the Phoenicians were those who spread the cultivation of the fig tree in Cyprus, Sicily, Malta, Corsica, Balearic Islands, Iberian Peninsula, France. The Greeks brought the fruit to Palestine and Asia Minor.

The 'Toro Sentado' variety is native to southeastern Spain where it is grown in the province of Alicante. This variety has been selected by the «Experimental Agricultural Station of Elche» among many other varieties of Black figs of the Valencian Community for intensive commercial cultivation, because although it is not very vigorous it adapts well in intensive crops, apart from its good taste qualities and productivity.

The 'Toro Sentado' brevas are fruits of a very large shape, with an average weight of 63-73 gr, with a Width x Length ratio: 50.86 x 84.27 mm, and a peduncle length of 4, 30 mm They have an elastic epidermis, with medium firmness, good scratching ability, with some thick longitudinal stripe that gives it a visual appeal, with a Black background color and a dark violet color. With a ºBrix (Average of 5 samples) of 16.19 of little sweet flavor, with pale red pulp color, with small or absent internal cavity, with numerous medium achenes. Of good quality in their organoleptic assessment, they are of a beginning of maturation as of May 31. They are resistant to handling and transport.

The 'Toro Sentado' main figs are fruits of a large shape, with an average weight of 47.30 grams, with a Width x Length ratio: 42.48 x 64.36 mm, and a peduncle length of 5 , 00 mm. They have an elastic epidermis, with medium firmness, good scratching ability, with some thick longitudinal stripe that gives it a visual appeal, with a Black background color and a dark violet color. With a ºBrix (Average of 5 samples) of 19.50 of sweet flavor, with pale red pulp color, with small internal cavity, with numerous medium achenes. Of a good quality in their organoleptic assessment, they are of a beginning of maturation from July 31. They are resistant to handling and transport.

In the local market the fig was for a month and a half. In brevas (the first of the two crops that the fig tree produces) it ranges from September to all October, and from there it disappears and the figs begin in the fortnight of December and before Christmas until the last week of February, it was over there. That was when we had planted areas in Pisco and Chilca, but now the crop has moved to the north, the new areas are in Huacho, Huarmey, Casma, Nepeña, ”he explained.

He added that in these places you can find the two varieties of the fruit: Black Mission and Sitting Bull, with the advantage that in the ‘small north’ fig can be produced year-round, in contrast. In fact, it can be found there in May, June, July, August and September, something that two years ago was not possible and that is due to these new cultivation areas, always with greater production in the December-February period.

The Black Mission variety is the best known, elongated, while the Toro Sentado is a little larger, thick skin and globose shape. Both are the varieties that Peru exports and that have reached FOB prices in recent years from 5 to 7 dollars per kilo for export. In customs I have seen up to 9 dollars a kilo. From August to October it is the strongest window we have of this fruit as a breva, which is the largest fruit. Then in October, November and December the largest and smallest is exported to the local market that is for fresh and dried fruit, ”he said.

The Peruvian Black fig is less known in Europe than its Brazilian and Israeli counterparts that are also on the market. “You do not see Peruvian figs so much in Europe. It is a completely different fig to the ‘green’ variety from Brazil. The Peruvian fig is much more flavoursome, but there are simply fewer companies that export it. This fig is, therefore, that much more exclusive.” Edwin goes on to say: “It is a Black fig that is entirely edible. The current variety is called ‘Toro Sentado’, which is the Black -mission"> Black Mission’s successor. It tastes fantastic and is different to the Turkish variety. It is the same colour as the Turkish variety, but is larger in size.”

The Black -mission"> Black Mission variety is the best known, elongated, while the Sitting Bull is a bit larger, thick skinned and globose.