Bisirri Large 2015

[Rewton]

I got this variety as a cutting in winter 2014 through Ricci and Barry. I have it growing in a 5 gallon SIP. They have posted on the Bisirri figs before - there are two or three distinct varieties brought to Philadelphia from Italy by Mr. Bisirri. For example, see these threads:

http://www.figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/bisirri-visit-5992112

http://figs4funforum.websitetoolbox.com/post/bissiri-1-2014-7037516

The relationship between Bisirri versions called #1, #2, #3, small and large is rather complex - maybe Barry can clarify this once the different versions are producing fruit. Anyway, all that aside, this is one excellent fig! This is one of the best tasting figs I have had this year and it's only in its 2nd leaf. The flavor profile is very rich and complex, on par with the fruits ripening from my Figo Preto. My photos don't really do it justice (need a new camera) but the skin is striking red as it ripens and ends up being a very dark red with white spots when fully ripe. The pulp is kind of an orangish/pink color. I am wondering if it is related to the Sal's-Corleone family based on leaf shape and fruit shape. However, when I tasted my Sicilian Red a couple years ago I don't recall it having the really rich flavor profile that Bisirri Large has. It also seems like the Bisirri Large leaves might be smaller. Anyway, this is one of the big surprises so far in 2015.

[mountainfigs]

Does look like Palermo Red...

[Rewton]

I don't think it is identical to my Sicilian Red (ironically not as "red" as Bisirri Large is) but it would be cool to do a side by side comparison with Palermo Red or some member of that family. Maybe someone has already made this comparison and will chime in on this thread.

[strudeldog]

Steve, I am growing #2 and #3 from Ricci they both fruited for me this year and both good figs. I am curious as well how light, large, dark, #1 #2 #3 match up. I am thinking that might be #1 as doesn't look like either of mine. Neither of my resembles Sicilian Red. Sals C or that group.

[Rewton]

Yes, you are right - there is a "light" and "dark" version that I forgot about! If you get around to it please post fruit and leaves for the ones you have. Maybe we should dedicate a new thread to sharing information about this family of figs and straightening out the naming.

[strudeldog]

Here are some photo's that came to me as #2 #3

[ross]

Phil,

I think those are Etna types.

[BLB]

Bisiri Large or what I used to call Lightnot because its not really that light colored even though Mr
Bisiri refers to it as light, is consistently one of the best tasting figs each year in my collection. Glad it grew for you and you liked it Steve!

[Rewton]

Barry, do you have an idea how cold hardy it is? I pruned it back pretty good early in the spring to get scaffold branches to form and it took forever to break bud - I think it was the last fig to really get started growing actually. I would guess under normal circumstances it would start ripening figs earlier. Note that I shuffled my figs in and out of the garage a bit this spring but was not real aggressive with the fig shuffle.

[BLB]

I can only tell you that Mr Bisiri's tree has been outside, next to his house for the whole timeers here since he came here. So it seems a bit of radiant heat from his house may aid it in surviving the winters here

[jmaler]

Nice looking fig. Don't think I've seen this one on ebay. Is there a source for it?

[Rewton]

A few of us are growing it along with Mr. Bisirri in Philadelphia. There is a commercial source for one of the Bisirri figs but I don't think it is this particular fig.