Algerian Chetoui vs Smith

[Evdurtschi]

A couple of weeks ago, the first Algerian Chetoui started ripening and shortly thereafter, Smith. I noticed some similarities and it seems like several others have also noticed it.

They do have a lot of similarities. The texture and feel of the fig is very similar. The flavor is similar and some of the properly ripened AC have been equally as good as the Smith. None of these have been caprified so far so it is a fair comparison. The coloring is similar. The leaves are similar....

At this point, I still think they are different but I would not be terribly surprised if they ended up being related. I will keep updating as the season goes on. AC did start ripening a solid week before Smith, despite Smith having the more prime location against my growing wall.

In the first pics, with multiple figs on the plate, the top ones are Smith.

I would love to hear other opinions and thoughts from anyone that has grown them both and seen similarities or differences.

Algerian Chetoui


Smith



Algerian Chetoui Leaves


Smith Leaves

[Sod]

That’s certainly compelling. Is it fair to say Smith is a little more vibrant red inside or is that just due to the camera?

[Evdurtschi]

On this particular day, the AC were a bit brighter red but I have had it go back and forth. Also, some of the Smith were more ripe when I took them.

Don't get me wrong, I am not saying they are the same. I see several small differences.

[bkkchris]

If AC is very similar to Smith that's a keeper for sure!

[swethakyadav]

if AC is similar to Smith, why not just keep Smith as most have it already

[ZomVee]

Nice work

[SubmarinePete]

Lanachka mentioned it. I didn’t believe it at first.

[Lanachka]

Vinny Figs and Timo Fig have pictures posted on FB, their AC don’t look similar to Smith. It was just one picture that made me think it may be Smith.

[Evdurtschi]

Lanachka Thank you for adding that info. I feel that they are different but they do have some similarities here in my climate. The void is a lot larger and more pronounced on AC and the flavor is more mild and sweet so far. I will be keeping a close eye on it and will update when I learn more

[MJFIGS]

They look very similar if not the same, but even if they are different, they are very similar and I would only keep one of them if I have space limitation.

what abou productivity, any key differences.

[Evdurtschi]

Both are very productive. Figs all over the place

[PacNorWreck]

Is the timing / earliness the same as well?

[Evdurtschi]

Seems to be very similar. AC was a week earlier but sometimes I see more of a difference than that with different trees of the same variety though.

[Timo]

Thank you for posting this comparison. I am growing both and, although there are some similarities, so far Algerian Chetoui and Smith have behaved like two different varieties for me.

These differences could be attributed to different growing conditions (greenhouse vs outside, head start vs no head start, etc.). Also, my trees are still young and in the next years they might start to show more similarities.

FWIW, my Algerian Chetoui produces mostly 3-lobed leaves, while Smith has more 5-lobed leaves. The shape and size of the figs can vary considerably for both varieties, but the Algerian Chetoui figs seem to have a broader and longer neck. Smith and Algerian Chetoui have a berry flavor, but Algerian Chetoui has that extra sweetness. Algerian Chetoui is a late fig that seems to need a longer growing season than Smith (but Smith is also a late fig for me). Finally, I'm under the impression that Smith handles the rain slightly better. Algerian Chetoui will split and crack easily in high humid conditions.

Both are very good figs and keepers for me!

[SubmarinePete]

You are in Belgium? Where did you get your AC?

[SubmarinePete]

Great comparison, by the way

[Evdurtschi]

Wonderful information. Thank you for sharing your experience.

[SubmarinePete]

Wow, this is a great comparison Eric! There aren't many people that could have pulled that off.

[SubmarinePete]

Bass Timo I'm asking because I think the Bass version is connected to a variety called "Algerian Chetoui" by the locals in Syria/Lebanon, which might be slightly different than the one actually grown in Algeria. If you got yours from a different area, it might be a similar but slightly different fig.

Despite general agreement on FB that the Bass fig was likely the same as the fig called Chetoui and grown in Algeria, there is the obvious issue of a fig called "winter" ripening at an early date (at least for me).

[Halligan-]

Great info here!
Excellent sleuthing!!

[SubmarinePete]

Which is which? I have a few more that will ripen with in the next few days so I'll wait to post more...

[SubmarinePete]

ZomVee I’m going to withhold judgement for a few days until I can try the others that are nearly ripe

[don_sanders]

So…. Was I correct?

[ZomVee]

don_sanders Yeah

[drbud]

Eric, your Smith figs are much more refined and fancier looking than mine! Must be the city life.

[Otis]

Great info on this thread. I think your climate does make quite a difference with Smith compared to Louisiana, but they do look like they could be relatives for sure.

[SubmarinePete]

Here is a video of my comparison along with a few more pics:

Video link: https://youtu.be/u77MJvdaw2o

[Neil]

This is my second year that my Algerian has fruited. It is a little milder than smith. To me it tastes like a mix between Smith and Chicago Hardy.

[SubmarinePete]

I had a short chat with a gentleman from Morocco yesterday about "Chetoui". I suspect that it is a class of figs as opposed to a single specific variety. Algerian Chetoui (Bass) is probably just one of the variants, IMO.

[goodfriendmike]

I believe it to be like the Italian figs. There are so many black figs and so many green figs. It gets to the point where the names become Black (from where) or Green from (This city)

[MJFIGS]

The figs in the photos looks really good. Even you have one of them, if not caprified and grown in similar climate (mostly dry), its hard to tell if its the same IMO

[RedRockFig]

Thanks for the additional insight.

[Strell]

FDM have a Chetouia .

https://figuesdumonde.wordpress.com/2017/06/12/chetouia/

[SubmarinePete]

I don’t see any description from FDM. I wonder where theirs originated from.

[Strell]

Chetouia (Algérie, Figues du Monde.This entry was posted in Uncategorized by figues du monde . Bookmark it with its permalink . I copied and pasted this from their webpage

[doubleblue]

Hello, I just want to bump this thread.

Have you guys noticed the leaf pattern similarities between Cessac and Algerian Chetoui and Smith too?

I see their leaf pattern is quite similar, but have not tested the ripe figs of Cessac and Algerian Chetoui yet.

My Cessac cutting was directly from Thierry (FDM) last year, Algerian Chetoui was from Jamie.

It’s interesting to observe.

[Evdurtschi]

Yes. They are VERY similar. The figs are also similar but a few people that have had it longer than me have said it’s better and more complex. I will say that I had some spectacular ones last year that did seem to be different but it’s hard to say for sure with my young tree.

[TNJed]

Those are pretty dang similar leaves Tung - keep us posted on the fruit 👍🏼

[Brian M]

More renamed figs. They just keep coming. lol

[Evdurtschi]

Did you see my post about Joualle Noire and Beat Ramon MP? It’s just incredible how many of these are out there!!!

[Brian M]

Yes looks awfully suspicious

[Figology]

Does AC predate Smith?

[Evdurtschi]

Now that I have had another year with Algerian Chetoui, I Al leaning towards them being different. Smith consistently was more dense and complex with a richer flavor. AC was excellent but more watered down.

As for Cessac, my experience in 2022 also makes me think it could be different. Cessac was even more dense than Smith but smaller. Superb flavor.

All 3 have some definite similarities so I am keeping them in my radar but I appreciate everyone’s input. The more people that can share their opinions, similarities, differences, the better!

[ZomVee]

I think Algerian Chetoui is Smith

[goodfriendmike]

Looking at the leaves that Pete posted they are not the same. Cessac is also a different fig by leaf shape. My question is. Did they originate from the same area?

[Evdurtschi]

Whatever they are, all 3 are superb and worth growing. :-)

ZomVee That looks so amazing. I’m drooling over here!!

[goodfriendmike]

That is a good looking fig Tom.

[ZomVee]

Yeah, I can't wait to ripen some more!

[Finodejete]

What about Texas BA-1 pictured below? That’s supposed to be a Smith. So now there’s 4 of them?

[goodfriendmike]

Not sure about that one. Need side by side photo's of leaves in your area. But the other three have so many minute differences. They are different. But close enough to maybe only need one.

[CA-orchard]

Here is a video from an Algerian grower. Seems Chetoui is an old Algerian vaiety. The word Chetoui means In Winter time. It is also used to refer to rain since Winter is the rainy season there. According to the person in the video, it is an excellent fig to grow in different conditions accross Alergia including rain resistance. Sounds familiar!

https://youtu.be/MLFeNg8xRaM