Sun-Maid Fig quality is second to none. All of our figs are inspected by hand and undergo extensive inspection through the Dried Fruit Association and our own stringent internal quality standards. Domestically grown figs are fortunate not to have been affected by aflotoxins, as are some imported figs. In order to bring our consumers the best possible product, certain preservatives are used.
Fumigation is used to assure the absence of insects.
After the fig is treated with the fumigant, the fruit is washed. The Calimyrna Fig is treated with sulfur dioxide which helps the fruit maintain its sweet flavor and golden color. Figs can also be frozen with excellent results. However, because of their high sugar content, figs will not freeze solidly. Sometimes I see a crystalline substance on the outside of the fig.