The hills surrounding Cómpeta are filled with the late-summer sweetness of figs. Here in La Axarquía, figs are more than just a fruit: they are part of our landscape, our traditions, and our tables. If you’ve taken a walk through the countryside lately, you’ve surely seen branches heavy with green and purple jewels, ready to be picked.
But once your basket is full of figs, the big question arises: what to do with them?
Make a Traditional Pan de Higo (Fig Cake)
For centuries, families in Málaga have preserved figs by pressing them into a dense, spiced cake with almonds, anise, and a hint of cinnamon. Slice it thinly and enjoy it with cheese, coffee, or a glass of sweet Málaga wine. It’s pure tradition in every bite.
Cook Them Slowly into Jam
There’s nothing like homemade fig jam spread over a slice of freshly baked bread. Figs caramelize beautifully as they cook, creating a rich, earthy sweetness. Add a little lemon or a touch of cinnamon to deepen the flavor.
Try Higos en Almíbar (Figs in Syrup)
A classic Axarquía way to enjoy figs beyond the harvest. They are gently simmered in sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of Málaga wine until tender and glossy. Serve them over ice cream, yogurt, or even in a tart.
Indulge in a Sweet Meloja
Lesser known outside Málaga, meloja is a thick, honey-like preserve made by cooking figs with sugar until glossy and dense. Traditionally, it’s enriched with almonds, walnuts, or pine nuts. A spoonful on toasted bread is rustic, historic, and delicious.
Create Gourmet Bites
Figs are as sophisticated as they are simple. Split them open and fill with creamy goat cheese, a drizzle of local honey, and a walnut on top for a quick appetizer. Or roast them with blue cheese and a splash of port until bubbling and caramelized—a heavenly pairing with good crusty bread.
Bake Them – Our Favorite Way
This is where we at El Epicúreo get most excited. Figs shine in cakes, tarts, and breads. Whether folded into a soft sponge, arranged over a cream tart, or baked whole in a rustic galette, they bring juicy sweetness and a touch of luxury to your table.
And because baking is what we do best, we’re sharing our favorite fig recipe: Fig Carpaccio with Serrano ham, honey, walnuts, and blue cheese. Absolutely delicious—click here for the recipe.
Carpaccio de higos con jamón serrano, miel, nueces y queso azul
4
servings30
minutesIngredients
8 higos frescos, maduros pero firmes
6 lonchas finas de jamón serrano
60 g de queso azul (roquefort, gorgonzola o similar) (o de queso cabra por un sabor menos intenso)
30 g de nueces troceadas
2 cucharadas de miel suave
2 cucharadas de aceite de oliva virgen extra
Rúcula fresca (opcional, para acompañar)
Sal en escamas y pimienta negra recién molida
Directions
- Preparar los higos
Lava los higos, sécalos bien y córtalos en rodajas muy finas (como carpaccio). Dispón las rodajas en círculos sobre un plato grande o bandeja. - Añadir el jamón
Coloca el jamón serrano cortado en tiras o trozos irregulares sobre los higos, procurando que quede distribuido de forma equilibrada. - Incorporar el queso azul
Desmenuza el queso azul con las manos o un tenedor y espárcelo sobre la mezcla. - Toque crujiente
Añade las nueces troceadas, previamente tostadas en una sartén sin aceite (opcional, para potenciar el sabor). - Aliño final
Mezcla en un cuenco el aceite de oliva con la miel, y rocía el carpaccio con esta vinagreta ligera. - Acabado y presentación
Añade un poco de rúcula fresca, sal en escamas y pimienta negra recién molida al gusto. Sirve inmediatamente.
Notes
- Este carpaccio funciona muy bien como entrante fresco y sofisticado, con un equilibrio entre lo dulce del higo y la miel, lo salado del jamón, lo intenso del queso azul y el crujiente de las nueces.
The Taste of the Season
Figs don’t last long once harvested, which is why they’ve inspired so many delicious ways to preserve them. But whether fresh or cooked, savory or sweet, they capture the essence of late summer in La Axarquía: abundant, sun-soaked, and unforgettable.
So pick them, share them, and above all—enjoy them. And if you’d like to savor figs in a different way, stop by El Epicúreo. We’ll be baking the season into something special, just for you.
At El Epicúreo You’ll Also Find:
- Fig jam
- Savory fig tart with goat cheese, walnuts, and honey
- Fig and almond cream tart
- And of course, our special recipe fig carpaccio
Enjoy Fig Season with El Epicúreo
Want to try our fig creations or discover more seasonal recipes? At El Epicúreo, we’re waiting for you with the very best of local cuisine.
