Figs are a teardrop edible fruit of Ficus carica tree species. About the size of a tangerine, but green, or purple when ripened skin, figs are a fragrant and flavorful fruit, and have been used for food and drink for centuries, in desserts, liqueurs and more. This fruit is small in stature, but giant in flavor, and fragrance, which we will be looking at closer today.
When biting into a fig’s soft, pink fruit flesh, and its edible white and yellow seeds, your senses might be transported to exotic Asian or European locales, or perhaps the times of ancient Rome and Greece, where Ancient Olympians were prized with figs as a trophy for their physical feats.
Fig’s also carry symbolic ties in many religions spanning the eras, symbolizing bounty, truth & knowledge. It is said that the tree Buddha attained enlightenment while in contemplation under the fig tree. And remember Adam and Eve from the Bible? And what they wore as covering? You got it, fig leaves.
But let’s leave the geography and history lesson aside, and take a deep look at the mighty fig as a scent, and how it finds its way into the fig scented candles we burn in our homes today.
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Topping out up to 30ft when mature, Fig Trees can live for over a century if properly cared for. They flourish in most Mediterranean and warm climates ranging as far as Northern India, where they are provided dry, long, sunny days to flourish.
There are many varieties of Fig Tree ranging in size, and their abundance of fruit. The “Brown Turkey” fig tree thrives best in warmer climates, while the “Hardy Chicago” fig tree is more winter hardy, all varieties exude a similar scent profile.
The scent of the tree itself, especially when in an enclosure is often described as woodsy and earthy, with its honeyed sweet scent exemplified when its fruit is ripening on its branches.
Fig trees in illustration can be a symbol of enlightenment, and fertility, and it is very present when looking at a fig tree’s bright green foliage and rich hues of its fruit.
The green, cool scent of a fig leaf can almost be described as grass-like.
Often grouped in with the scent of the fig fruit, it is associated with juicy, jammy, summer scents, but I find the fig leaf to almost exude a hint of bitterness like many hardy leaves.
When walking through a fig orchard, the sharp and fragrant freshness of fig leaves will be tough to miss, while your mind reminds you of the coolness from the shade of its broad, wide leaves.
The smell of fig fruit immediately transports me to the Mediterranean, and long sunny stretches outdoors. I can almost smell the ripeness of the purple fig fruit as I type this, it’s honey-esque, earthy sweetness growing tart when dried. Supple & ripe, with a freshness that is reminiscent of grasses, the tang of coconut, and the sweetness of marmalade.
Wild Fig is a scent often paired with other floral and fruity scents like Cassis, Apricot & Peach in perfumes, candles & more. When paired together the result is vibrant, fruity summer tones, where the rich ripeness of the wild fig aroma can shine.
In our Aegean Coast candle, we round out the soft ripeness of fig, with the base note of cedarwood essential oil, allowing the deep vibrance of the fruit to shine.
Harkening scents of fruit groves and orchards, we pair the fig scent with bergamot and lime, adding a tang of citrus and zesty top notes. The combination gives you a fresh, green, well balanced scent journey.
An amazing candle for bringing the outdoors in, or channeling the scents of spring, on a dark dreary day, we encourage you to use a fig candle smell when in need of a burst of energy and creativity.
I find its exotic scent inspiring and liberating, and the far reaches of the globe as I type this, feel a little bit closer.
Looking for more info on the best fig fragrances? Check out the video below.
