Why bakeries choose dried figs
Turkish dried figs from Aydın are widely used in bakery and pastry projects due to their deep caramel-like sweetness, soft texture and natural binding capability. Compared to other fruit ingredients, figs offer:
- High natural sugar content ideal for fillings and pastes.
- Excellent bake stability — they maintain structure during oven processes.
- Clean-label appeal with no added sugars or preservatives.
- Competitive cost per kilogram versus dates, berries or tropical fruits.
Fig formats commonly used in bakery manufacturing
The correct fig format depends on whether the manufacturer is producing breads, cookies, pastries, cereal bars or filled products. The most common forms include:
1. Fig paste for fillings and centres
Used extensively in filled cookies, pastries, fig bars and breakfast biscuits. Buyers typically request:
- smooth or coarse grind
- moisture levels around 20–26%
- vacuum-packed blocks for easy handling
2. Diced figs for breads & cookies
Standard dice sizes are 8–12 mm or 12–16 mm. These work well for:
- artisan and industrial breads
- fruit-and-nut cookies
- granola-style baked clusters
3. Strips or chopped figs for rustic bakery styles
Bakers looking for a more natural, handmade appearance choose strips and coarse chopped figs. These add visual character and texture while maintaining moisture.
Moisture management and bake stability
Moisture content significantly influences how figs behave during baking. Too much moisture can cause spreading, clumping or uneven distribution, while too little can affect chewiness. Most industrial buyers define:
- Target moisture range (18–24% for dice, 20–26% for paste)
- Oil-dusted vs. non-oil-dusted options depending on flow requirements
- Piece-size tolerances for automated mixing equipment
Pairing figs with complementary bakery ingredients
Figs pair naturally with a wide variety of bakery ingredients, especially:
- Walnuts and hazelnuts for premium cookies and breads
- Oats and whole grains for rustic loaves and bars
- Spices like cinnamon and anise for Mediterranean-style pastries
- Chocolate or cocoa to balance sweetness
Bulk packaging options for bakery producers
Turkish suppliers typically offer:
- Vacuum-packed fig paste blocks (10–12.5 kg standard)
- 5–14 kg cartons for diced or chopped figs
- Poly-lined cartons for improved freshness and hygiene
Summary
Bulk dried figs deliver excellent flavour, structure and clean-label value to bakery and pastry projects. By selecting the right format and moisture range, manufacturers can achieve consistent results and enhance the natural sweetness and texture of their baked goods.
Our team supports bakeries and industrial manufacturers with tailored specifications, mixed-container options and fast quotations for bulk dried figs.