With deep purple skin that turns black when dried and contrasting pastel pink interior, Black Mission figs are dramatically different - and decidedly delicious.

That explains the first part of their name; "Mission" refers to how the ancient fruit made their way to the New World. Legend has it a Spanish missionary planted this variety of fig trees in San Diego in the 1760s. Since then, these distinctive figs have become the most popular variety of fig in the U.S. And because they are sweeter than the rest, these figs are grown mostly for drying, becoming nature's very own candy.

But that's only part of the tale: These ancient fruits are reputed to have more fiber and minerals than any other; dried figs are particularly rich in antioxidants. That means you can have your utterly sweet, delectable dried figs and boost your health, too.