Fig Newtons Are Named After Newton Massachusetts. They Are Not The State Cookie – They Were Beaten By Chocolate Chip

You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em. But you can’t deny their popularity. Fig Newtons have remained a much-loved pastry for over a century, so no wonder they get their own day. January 16 is National Fig Newton Day, and we know you can’t wait to enjoy a few in celebration.

• 11,400 Years ago – Archaeological evidence suggests that figs were among the first domesticated crops, cultivated in the Jordan Valley around 11,400 years ago, highlighting their significance in early agriculture.
• Ancient Mediterranean Era – Figs were a staple crop in ancient Mediterranean economies, used extensively in diets and as an economic commodity, underscoring their central role in ancient societies.
• 9400 BC – Parthenocarpic figs, dating back to 9400–9200 BCE, were found at Gilgal I, suggesting they were intentionally cultivated, marking a shift in ancient agricultural practices.
• Biblical Times – Figs are frequently mentioned in the Bible and other ancient texts, symbolizing prosperity and peace, and were central to cultural and religious practices in ancient societies.
• 19th century – Many physicians believed most illnesses were related to digestive problems. As a remedy, they recommended a daily intake of biscuits and fruit. Fig rolls served as an ideal solution to their advice, as they remained a locally produced, handmade product.
• 1889 – William Moore of New York bought out eight bakeries to start the New York Biscuit Company (including Kennedy Biscuit). In 1890, Chicago-based Adolphus Green began the American Biscuit Company by merging 40 midwestern bakeries.
• 1891 – Philadelphia baker and fig-lover, Charles Roser, invented and patented the machine, which inserted fig paste into a thick pastry dough.
• 1891 – The Philadelphia bakery produced the first Fig Newtons. The company named the pastries after the town of Newton, Massachusetts.
• 1898 – Moore and Green merged in 1898, making the National Biscuit Company, or N.B.C. Among the purchases were the machines of Mitchell and Roser’s cookie recipe.
• 1901 – Mitchell’s machine for sugar wafers was also purchased; N.B.C. started mass-producing sugar wafers in 1901. Both Mitchell and Roser walked away wealthy.
• 1991 – Fig Newton Day festivities were enjoyed by thousands who celebrated in the Boston suburb with free cookies and more entertainment on the 100th anniversary of the cookie’s creation.
• 1997 – Fig Newtons are NOT the Massachusetts state cookie, having been beaten by another famous cookie in 1997 – the Chocolate Chip Cookie.
• 2012 – Nabisco dropped the word “Fig” from the product’s name.
• The Cambridgeport, MA-based Kennedy Biscuit Company then purchased Roser’s recipe. They began mass production after purchasing the recipe.
• They had named many of their other cookies for nearby towns and almost called it the “Fig Shrewsbury” before Newton won.
• Fig Newtons were among the first commercially baked products in America.
• Because of the lowly Fig Newton, the legendary Nabisco baking company had its roots.
• Fig Newtons are the 3rd most popular cookie in the U.S., and over 1 billion are consumed each year.
• Fig Newtons were for sale for over 130 years before they were known as cookies.
• Currently, Nabisco manufactures strawberry, apple cinnamon, raspberry, cherry, and blueberry Newton flavors, none of which sell a fraction of the original fig variety due to brand awareness and their comparative lack of sex appeal.
• Some flavors included Fig Newtons Bars, Raspberry & Yogurt, Strawberry Kiwi Fruit, Strawberry Shortcake Cookies, and more. These have all been discontinued.

Sources:

National Day Calendar

Mobile-Cuisine

Thought Co

National Today 

The Hard Times

The Daily Meal

Days of the Year