Updated: August 26, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min (FAQ, tips, recipes).
Figs from Solliès AOP: why this fruit is making Provence go crazy
You've probably already bitten into a fig, but have you tried the Fig de Solliès AOP ? This little gem from the southeast, purple-black with thin skin and pink flesh, explodes in the mouth and evokes with each bite all that is most delicious about Provence. Behind its almost discreet appearance hides a story of terroir, patience and passion. The Fig de Solliès is the fruit of the sun, the stony soils of the Var basin, and know-how passed down from generation to generation. Its hard-won AOP label is the promise of an inimitable taste, at once sweet, juicy and subtly tangy. In short, if you're looking for a fruit that smells of Indian summer, conviviality and culinary creativity, you've come to the right place!
Want to know everything about this purple treasure? Hold on tight, here we'll share its origins, ideas for serving it, anti-waste tips, budgeting, and even an FAQ to help you become an expert. Ready to become a true Solliès fig pro? 🥗
A land steeped in sunshine and history
The Solliès Fig AOP is much more than just a fruit; it's an ambassador of the South. It grows in a demarcated basin around Solliès-Pont, in the heart of the Var region, where the sun shines generously and the soil, rich in pebbles and silt, offers perfect drainage. This unique terroir, coupled with a microclimate that alternates between dry heat and nighttime dews, gives the fig its melting texture and distinctive flavor.
Fig cultivation in this region dates back to ancient times, but it was over the centuries that the "Violette de Solliès" variety became established. Its harvest, from mid-August to the end of September, is a real highlight for local producers. The figs are hand-picked at optimal ripeness to guarantee their freshness and preserve all their flavors. To obtain the AOP label, each step is scrutinized: plots, cultivation methods, size, sugar content... nothing is left to chance!
To learn more about the precise specifications and history of this Mediterranean pearl, take a look at the Ministry of Agriculture's file .
How to taste it and enhance it
The Solliès fig is the ultimate chameleon fruit: it can be enjoyed both plain and in creative cooking. Here are some ideas for showcasing it:
- Simply eat : fresh, whole, at room temperature. Its balance between sweetness and a hint of freshness makes it addictive.
- In a salad : Pair it with fresh goat's cheese, cured ham, a few walnuts, and a touch of honey. The result is stunning for a light lunch or a chic starter.
- Toast or bruschetta : On a slice of toast, add a drizzle of olive oil, a little ricotta, fig segments, and a few herbs. Simple, quick, and incredibly effective!
- Sweet version : Place sliced figs on puff pastry, sprinkle with flaked almonds and bake for a melt-in-the-mouth tart. Or, dip them into a vitamin-packed smoothie with a suitable blender .
- On the griddle or barbecue : cut the figs in half, place them on a hot grill, add a little rosemary and let them caramelize. Perfect with mature cheese or white meat. Discover other ideas in our barbecue selection .
Want to create a gourmet basket? Try the super Neary fruit basket for a change, or opt directly for a package of Figs from Solliès AOP , delivered to your home in just a few days.
Chef's tips for the perfect fig
Want to get the most out of this exceptional fruit? Here are some pro tips:
- The choice : the Solliès fig should be supple but not soft, with smooth, taut skin. Avoid split or blemished fruit.
- Storage : This delicate fruit likes freshness, but not the fridge! Keep them at room temperature and enjoy them within 48 hours. If necessary, you can refrigerate them overnight, but no longer, to preserve their flavor.
- Anti-waste : Are your figs a little too ripe? Prepare a quick compote: sauté them with a little sugar and lemon, then serve it with yogurt, roast meat, or on toast.
- Freezing : Cut them in half, lay them flat on a baking sheet, then bag them. You can then use them in a smoothie, dessert, or even a quick sauce.
- Unexpected pairings : dare to pair with duck breast, Roquefort, or even a touch of orange zest. Solliès figs love contrasts!
To explore other seasonal recipes or discover smart equipment, take a look at our air fryer comparisons or the barbecue and grill selection.
How much to plan for a treat
The Fig of Solliès AOP is a pleasure that remains accessible, especially in high season (end of August to end of September). Direct from the producer, it generally costs between 7 and 12 euros per kilo, depending on the quality and size, with a slightly higher price for AOP certified fruits. In delicatessens or on the Internet, the price can climb a little, especially for baskets delivered to your home or 2 kg packages ( see the offer here ).
The added bonus? Thanks to their intense aroma, just a few figs can transform a dish, an appetizer, or a dessert. And if you're looking for something different, consider a seasonal fruit basket to complete your order and surprise your guests.
Frequently asked questions about the Solliès fig
How to recognize a real Fig of Solliès AOP?
Check its rounded shape, purple skin, and PDO label. It should be supple, juicy, and have a light collar at the base. The "Figue de Solliès PDO" label guarantees its origin and cultivation method.
Can you eat the skin of a fig?
Yes, the skin of the Solliès fig is thin and perfectly edible. Simply wash it in clean water before eating.
How long does it keep?
Fresh figs are best enjoyed within two days of harvesting. To preserve their freshness a little longer, gently chill them and consume them quickly.
Any ideas for using it in cooking?
On toast, in salads, in pies, roasted in the oven with honey, or simply in a smoothie. It also loves to be paired with cheese or cold cuts.
Where to buy real Solliès figs?
Directly from producers in the Var, at markets, or online via AOP-certified packages: order here .
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