I have a fig tree in my yard, but some years it doesn't get warm enough for them to ripen on the tree. Last year, we got almost none before the rains started, and those we did get I ended up roasting (with some honey, then eating with balsamic & goat cheese. yum!) because they were a little underripe.

I love dates, too. Brought some home from France, in fact. Chop one up and put it on steel cut oats. Yum. Much better than brown sugar, and healthier, too!