When it comes to figs vs plums, these two beloved fruits often spark debate among gardeners and food enthusiasts alike. While both offer sweet flavors and impressive health benefits, they come from entirely different botanical families and bring unique characteristics to your garden and kitchen. Whether you're deciding which tree to plant or simply wondering which fruit to enjoy, understanding the key differences between figs and plums can help you make the best choice for your needs.
What Are Figs and Plums?
Understanding Figs
Figs are unique fruits that grow on Ficus carica trees, members of the mulberry family (Moraceae). Botanically speaking, figs aren't true fruits but rather inverted flowers called synconiums. The soft, sweet flesh you enjoy is actually a collection of hundreds of tiny flowers turned inside out. Native to the Mediterranean and Middle East, fig trees have been cultivated for thousands of years and can thrive in USDA zones 7-11.
Understanding Plums
Plums are stone fruits (drupes) from various Prunus species, belonging to the rose family (Rosaceae). Unlike figs, plums have a single hard pit (stone) surrounded by juicy flesh and smooth skin. European plums (Prunus domestica) and Japanese plums (Prunus salicina) are the most common varieties grown in home gardens. These deciduous trees originated in Europe and Asia and typically grow well in zones 5-9.
Are Figs and Plums Related?
Despite both being popular tree fruits, figs and plums are not related. They belong to completely different plant families—figs to Moraceae and plums to Rosaceae. This botanical distinction explains many of their differences in growing requirements, fruit structure, and cultivation needs.
Nutritional Comparison: Figs vs Plums
Fresh Fruit Nutrition
Both fruits offer impressive nutritional profiles, but with distinct differences. Here's how they compare per 100-gram serving:
| Nutrient | Fresh Figs | Fresh Plums | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | 74 kcal | 46 kcal | Plums (lower) |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 11g | Plums (lower) |
| Fiber | 2.9g | 1.4g | Figs (higher) |
| Protein | 0.8g | 0.7g | Tie |
| Natural Sugars | 16g | 10g | Plums (lower) |
Dried Fruit Comparison
The nutritional landscape changes significantly when these fruits are dried. The drying process concentrates sugars and nutrients:
| Nutrient | Dried Figs | Dried Plums (Prunes) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories (per 100g) | 249 kcal | 240 kcal |
| Fiber (per 100g) | 9.8g | 7.1g |
| Potassium | 680mg | 732mg |
| Calcium | 162mg | 43mg |
Vitamin and Mineral Content
Figs excel in calcium, providing about 35mg per 100g fresh fruit, while plums shine with higher vitamin C content (9.5mg vs 2mg) and vitamin K levels. For those interested in the complete nutritional breakdown of figs, both fresh and dried varieties offer unique benefits depending on your dietary needs. All nutritional data is based on values from the USDA FoodData Central, the official source for food composition information in the United States.
Health Benefits of Figs vs Plums
Health Benefits of Figs
Figs offer several impressive health advantages:
- Digestive Health: High fiber content promotes regularity and supports gut health
- Bone Health: Exceptional calcium and magnesium levels strengthen bones
- Blood Pressure: Rich potassium content helps manage blood pressure
- Antioxidants: Polyphenols and flavonoids fight oxidative stress
Health Benefits of Plums
Plums provide their own set of health benefits:
- Immune Support: High vitamin C content boosts immune function
- Bone Health: Vitamin K supports bone density and strength
- Digestive Aid: Natural sorbitol in prunes promotes regularity
- Heart Health: Antioxidants support cardiovascular wellness
Research from Texas A&M AgriLife has shown that dried plums may promote beneficial gut bacteria and help reduce the risk of colon cancer, demonstrating the powerful health-promoting compounds found in this fruit.
Taste, Texture, and Appearance
| Characteristic | Figs | Plums |
|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Sweet, honey-like, subtle floral notes | Sweet-tart balance, varies by variety |
| Texture | Soft, jammy flesh with crunchy seeds | Juicy, firm flesh with single pit |
| Skin | Thin, delicate, edible (purple or green) | Smooth, often waxy, edible (various colors) |
| Size | 1-3 inches, tear-drop shaped | 1-3 inches, round to oval |
| Color Varieties | Purple, green, brown, black | Red, purple, yellow, green, blue |
The eating experience differs significantly between these fruits. Figs can be eaten whole, including the skin and seeds, providing a unique textural contrast. Plums require pit removal but offer a juicier bite with a satisfying sweet-tart flavor that varies by variety.
Growing Figs vs Plums: A Gardener's Perspective
Growing Fig Trees
Fig trees offer several advantages for home gardeners. They're remarkably low-maintenance and can produce two crops per year in warmer climates. Growing fig trees in containers is highly successful, making them perfect for small spaces or colder zones where winter protection is needed.
Growing Plum Trees
Plum trees require more attention than figs but reward gardeners with abundant harvests. Most varieties need cross-pollination, meaning you'll need to plant at least two compatible trees. They're more susceptible to diseases like brown rot and pests such as plum curculio, requiring regular monitoring and intervention.
| Growing Factor | Fig Trees | Plum Trees |
|---|---|---|
| Hardiness Zones | 7-11 (some to zone 6) | 5-9 |
| Years to Fruit | 1-2 years | 3-6 years |
| Pollination Needs | Self-pollinating | Most need cross-pollination |
| Container Growing | Excellent | Challenging |
| Pest Resistance | High | Moderate |
| Pruning Needs | Minimal | Regular, intensive |
| Chill Hours Required | 100-300 hours | 400-1000+ hours |
Note: To determine your specific hardiness zone, consult the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, which is the standard reference for gardeners and growers across the United States.
Culinary Uses: Fresh and Dried Applications
Both fruits shine in the kitchen, offering versatility from fresh eating to preserved preparations. Figs pair beautifully with cheese plates, salads, and desserts, while their dried form adds depth to baked goods and grain dishes. Learn more about how to eat figs to maximize their culinary potential.
Plums excel in jams, preserves, and baked goods like tarts and cobblers. Fresh plums make excellent snacks and add sweetness to savory dishes. Dried plums (prunes) are valued for their concentrated sweetness and digestive benefits.
| Use | Figs | Plums |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Eating | Eat whole with skin, slice for presentation | Eat fresh, remove pit, slice or halve |
| Baking | Fig tarts, cakes, bread | Plum cobblers, pies, crumbles |
| Preserves | Fig jam, preserves, paste | Plum jam, chutney, sauce |
| Savory Dishes | Salads, cheese boards, roasted meats | Sauces for pork, duck, salads |
| Dried Form | Snacking, baking, trail mix | Prunes for digestive health, baking |
Seasonality and Availability
Understanding harvest times helps you plan your garden and shopping. Fig trees typically produce a light crop in early summer (breba crop) and a heavier main crop from August to October. The exact timing varies by variety and climate zone.
Plums generally ripen from June through September, depending on the variety. European plums tend to ripen later in the season than Japanese varieties. Both fruits are widely available at grocery stores, but finding fresh, locally-grown options at farmers markets during peak season offers superior flavor.
Which Should You Choose: Figs or Plums?
Your choice between figs and plums depends on several factors. For gardeners in warmer zones (7-11) seeking a low-maintenance tree that produces fruit quickly, figs are an excellent choice. Their container-friendly nature and minimal care requirements make them ideal for beginners. Consider starting with reliable varieties like Brown Turkey or Black Mission for proven success.
Plums suit gardeners in cooler zones (5-9) who don't mind the extra maintenance and have space for multiple trees. If you prioritize vitamin C intake and prefer a tart-sweet flavor, plums deliver. For those focused on calcium and digestive fiber, figs offer superior benefits.
Both fruits can coexist in your garden if space and climate permit. They complement each other nutritionally and offer different harvest seasons, extending your fresh fruit availability throughout summer and fall.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are figs healthier than plums?
Both fruits offer unique health benefits, making neither definitively "healthier." Figs provide more fiber and calcium, supporting digestive and bone health, while plums offer higher vitamin C and K content for immune function and bone density. Your health goals should guide your choice—figs excel for fiber needs, while plums win for vitamin content and lower calorie counts.
Can fig trees and plum trees grow in the same climate?
Yes, in zones 7-9, both fig and plum trees can thrive. However, fig trees prefer warmer climates (zones 7-11) while plums are more cold-hardy (zones 5-9). If you're in zone 7 or 8, you can successfully grow both, though plums will need more chill hours in winter. Fig varieties like Chicago Hardy can extend growing zones with winter protection.
Which is easier to grow: fig trees or plum trees?
Fig trees are significantly easier to grow for most home gardeners. They require minimal pruning, resist most pests and diseases, self-pollinate (no second tree needed), and produce fruit within 1-2 years. Plum trees demand regular pruning, pest management, usually need a pollination partner, and take 3-6 years to fruit. Figs also excel in container growing, adding to their versatility.
Do figs and plums taste similar?
No, figs and plums have distinctly different flavor profiles. Figs offer a rich, honey-like sweetness with subtle floral notes and a jammy texture with crunchy seeds. Plums provide a balanced sweet-tart flavor with juicy, firm flesh. Figs are uniformly sweet throughout, while plums can range from very tart (when underripe) to intensely sweet (when fully ripe), depending on variety and ripeness.
Are dried figs better than prunes nutritionally?
Both dried figs and prunes offer concentrated nutrition, but with different strengths. Dried figs contain more fiber (9.8g vs 7.1g per 100g) and significantly more calcium (162mg vs 43mg), making them superior for bone health and regularity. Prunes have more potassium (732mg vs 680mg) and are renowned for their digestive benefits due to natural sorbitol content. Choose based on your specific nutritional needs.
Can I grow fig trees in containers but not plum trees?
Correct—fig trees excel in container growing while plum trees struggle. Figs have relatively compact root systems, tolerate root restriction well, and even produce better in containers. They can be easily moved indoors or to protected areas during winter. Plum trees have extensive root systems, grow quite large, and require significant chill hours, making container cultivation challenging and often unsuccessful.
Making Your Choice Between Figs and Plums
Whether you choose figs or plums—or decide to enjoy both—each fruit brings unique benefits to your garden and diet. Figs offer unmatched ease of cultivation, exceptional fiber content, and the flexibility of container growing, making them perfect for home gardeners seeking low-maintenance fruit production. Plums provide cold-hardy reliability, high vitamin content, and a classic sweet-tart flavor that shines in numerous culinary applications.
Consider your climate zone, available space, maintenance preferences, and nutritional goals when making your selection. For most home gardeners, especially those new to fruit trees, starting with a fig tree offers the quickest path to success and fresh, homegrown fruit. The combination of minimal care, container adaptability, and rapid fruit production makes figs an outstanding choice for growing your own food.