Magical Citrusy Fig

[danw]

Is there such a thing? I have been acquiring a number of figs recently and most of them have been because people on the forums have been raving about them. But it seems like what everyone raves about are the really intense rich flavors. Don’t get me wrong, I am all over the rich berry jam thing, but I have a number in that category and I have a number more on my wish list. For some variety I would like to get some others onto my wish list that are a bit different.

What sounds really good to me is a fig that is citrusy. Maybe lemony? Berry, but lighter with more acid? I guess I am after something that is bright and refreshing. What I don’t want is something insipid. Sweet with no character has no interest for me.

Any recommendations?

Thanks,
Dan

[Sarahkt]

The rich berry jam seems to be associated with those with red centers. Why not try some of the amber/yellow centered figs, like Beall? That one and several others stood out at Gary's fig tasting gathering in August (also in Sebastopol).

[danw]

Thanks Sarah,

I missed Gary's get together since I discovered the forums after it had occurred, but next time! I will check out the Beall. The only amber centered fig I have is an Osborne Prolific, and while plenty sweet and pleasant, it is a little boring. I am after a bit of zing. I guess strong melon would also be good to have.

Dan

[Sarahkt]

Fico Pesco d'Oro is supposed to taste something like a peach. Mine hasn't fruited yet, so can't tell you from personal experience.

[Rewton]

I have noticed a melon flavor from Sicilian Red. I think there is more than variety called this but mine is the one that is related to the Sal's-Corleone family of figs. To me all figs have a figgy flavor and sometimes they have other flavors on top of that figgy flavor. I really never noticed berry flavor to be honest but definitely have noticed honey and melon tones in some figs.

[Iowafig]

I have read that Zingarella has a melon flavor and Sodus Sicillain has a peachy undertones. These sound interesting! Hope this helped

[danw]

Dang just missed Zingarella in Hershell's cutting sale. I will add it to the ebay search list.

[drew51]

I too like the bright acid fruits, and so I grew Indian Free white peach and Arctic Glo nectarine, also white. Both are streaked with red and have a high acid and high sugar content. I waited three years for them to fruit. So anticipation and expectations grew. usually in these cases expectations are never met. Well these two delivered 110% when I at last harvested fruit. Wow what fantastic pieces of fruit!
If you do find such a fig, please let me know!

Indian Free



Arctic Glo


Yes these look great, but they taste even better. Best pieces of fruit I ever had in my life!

[danw]

I have failed multiple times with peaches and nectarines due to peach leaf curl, but I may have to try again with that Arctic Glow. It looks and sounds awesome.
If you don't have one, you need a Santa Rosa Plum! They are sweet and the skin has a tartness that makes for super complex flavors that are constantly changing in your mouth. You can adjust how zingy it is to match your tastes by picking a little earlier or later. It is definitely the highlight of my summer harvest.

If I find the elusive citrus fig I will be singing it's praise far and wide.

[cjmach1973]

The honey figs tend to be a nice lighter sweetness. Italian Honey and others

[mountainfigs]

Agree on the honey figs if you are looking for a change-up from the berry-jammy and the sheer sugars. White Marseilles (aka Italian Honey and Lattarula) can seem very light. (Just ask Thomas Jefferson.) Janice Kadota can seem brandyish. Lemon fig, aka Blanche, can seem light. Also Mary Lane. And Banana fig which may be Kadota or a strain of Kadota could be worth trying similarly. These are all in the honey vein. Thick sugar and resin are inherent to figs and fig flavor but the honey figs can lighten things up a bit, perhaps ironically.

The Mt Etnas test comparatively low on sugar levels and can seem to have a touch of acid to them. I enjoy them particularly for that characteristic.

A biggish and small eyed fig like White Triana can hold a lot of water and be very light and refreshing, crossing between light strawberry and sweet watermelon. Figs that cross flavor categories can seem lighter than others, it seems to me, like Brooklyn White which is honeyish and strawberryish, a nice twist of each.

All that said, in your zone, if the fig wasp is around and doing its thing, I would imagine that any flavor could be rendered exceptionally intense first and foremost.

[danw]

Thanks everyone! I have some reading to do now for sure, but it sounds like if not my wild citrus fig, then there are certainly figs that are very different from what is in my current selection.

Dan

[fitzski]

Dan,

Have you see this post from AscPete? It talks about the various different fig flavor groups and has some good information in it.

http://www.ourfigs.com/forum/figs-home/15522-fig-flavor-groups

Enjoy!

[danw]

Kevin,

Thanks for the link. Someone on the other forum also sent me the link to the list yesterday. Lots of good information there for sure.

[Rafaelissimmo]

I just sold an unknown to ChrisK that I would describe as citrusy, I actually quite enjoyed it, but had to create space for more incoming figs. It was a green fig w a rosy center.

[danw]

I didn't win the 1.6 billion dollar lottery tonight either. I think I am more upset about missing out on the magical citrus fig :^) ..... well, not really. Do you remember how / where you acquired it?

[Rafaelissimmo]

It was sent to me by someone dumping a bunch of figs, mislabelled, and not a responsible person so forget that option.

[danw]

Ha Ha, it was worth a try!

[Rafaelissimmo]

By the way I also find that store bought Panachee fruit from Cali has citrusy notes, but the Panachee off my 2 year old tree have not tasted that way.

[Sarahkt]

Maybe it's the difference in sunshine. Or else we have just so much citrus here that its flavor gets into everything.

Those looking for citrusy figs, just add a drizzle of lemon! Works for fish.

[danw]

My Panache / Reverse? is definitely my brightest and most citrusy fig, but since I only have three trees producing fruit that is not saying much. But I am after even more acid and zing if it exists.

The other day read somewhere to keep your fig trees away from citrus trees because of some pest. I don't remember what it is now. But I do have a nice Meyer Lemon in the yard. You may be on to something Sarah. I am suddenly craving a nice Plum, Apricot, Berry, Lemon, Fig cobbler with Vanilla ice cream

[Sarahkt]

If you don't mind reconstituting dried figs and apricots for that, it's entirely achievable at this time! Frozen figs at TJ's are an abomination, avoid those.

[Rafaelissimmo]

Sometimes scale will colonize citrus and figs, also spider mites and fungus gnats. But sunshine and a breeze usually keep those critters away. They only torment me in my greenhouse.