Some figs take more effort than other figs to ripen well in short growing seasons, especially if they are of varieties that are inherently larger in size or later ripening. The reward is the interesting mix of flavor, color, size, texture…

Below, surrounded by 8 Mt Etna figs are 6 other varieties, clockwise from 11:00:

Figo Preto (aka Black Madeira, the Queen of Figs, so called), Paradiso Bronze, LSU Tiger, Sultane, Improved Celeste, and Calverte. An informal three-way household taste test of this plate gave the flavor nod to Figo Preto “head and shoulders above the rest” followed by Sultane, which got one nod for tied with Preto. So the vote went to the two darkest figs. Interestingly, research has shown that dark skin figs have the greatest amount of antioxidants, the most healthful at least in that regard. Figs, their leaves, and sap have many other health benefits and uses.

Below, clockwise from 11:00 — Sultane, Mt Etna, Calverte, LSU Tiger, Improved Celeste, Black Madeira, Paradiso Bronze: