Resin. Or tannin. Scientists note that resin, or tannin, gives figs their characteristic figgy flavor. As with wine somewhat as with figs: “As a characteristic of wine, tannin adds both bitterness and astringency as well as complexity.” The primary taste of ripe figs is sweetness, sometimes extreme sweetness: sugar sweet, honey sweet, or berry jam sweet. Secondary… Continue reading Figgy Flavor

Ronde de Bordeaux. RdB has been called the “perfect fig”: Ronde de Bordeaux is a flavorful, shapely, colorful fig that is also among the very earliest ripening:    

Mt Etna. Any early ripening fig varieties are worth trialing in ground, including 3 that ripen earlier than Mt Etna – LSU Improved Celeste, Ronde de Bordeaux, and Florea – however the Mt Etna type has proven itself to be at least as hardy as any other fig and to ripen figs most reliably during… Continue reading Best Fig in Ground

Ficus Carica is the species known as the “common” fig. Ficus aspera is the species known as the “clown” fig. The clown fig has variegated leaves and fun looking fruit, though very small and not much edible: Some varieties of common figs can also ripen into varied clownish coats. Violet Sepor: Violet Sepor has a fruit… Continue reading Clown Fig Aspera Versus Carica Clown Coats

Mary Lane. This variety, closely related to Yellow Kalamata, looks a lot like a yellow tangerine, hanging on a tree, or picked off a bush. Unlike a tangerine, Mary Lane fig is wholly edible, skin and all. Mary Lane is very juicy and tastes of agave nectar.  Mary Lane ripens relatively late but not too… Continue reading A Fig that Looks Like Citrus

The figs that mean the most to you are the best figs to grow. Which fig might mean the most? The one with a favorite flavor. The most prolific fig. The brightest most cheerful. The sweetest fig. The darkest, most intense. The fig that ripens after the harshest winters. The fig a loved one looks forward… Continue reading The Best Figs To Grow