A Black Mission Fig is a bluish-black fig containing extremely small seeds. This fruit is a good source of iron, calcium and phosphorus. Figs have a firm flesh and soft inside. Black Mission Figs are sweeter and smaller than Calimyrna Figs. The best time for Figs is November through January. This is when the new crop has been harvested and the figs keep their shiny bluish-black color. The rest of the year, the Figs are considered old crop. These old crop Figs will crystallize with sugar, making them appear white and almost moldy on the outside. However, the Figs themselves are not contaminated in any way. During the off-months, expect Figs to crystallize within 2 to 4 weeks after purchase.