Native to the Middle East and Western Asia, Figs have been sought after and cultivated since ancient times and is now widely grown worldwide.  Mentioned in the Bible, in Greek Mythology and is used as a metaphor to denote peace and prosperity by Political and religious leaders.  Figs grow in dry, sunny areas with deep, fresh soil as well as rocky area.  With their deep root systems they thrive in light free-draining soil and can grow in naturally poor soil.  Turkey is now the leading producer of Figs, contributing over a quarter of the worlds crop.  Since ripe figs have a very short shelf life, they are mostly dried and used for jams.